Beverage Pump Voltage Ramping for Quiet Startup and Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production modules face challenges in user friendliness and beverage quality, particularly in noise reduction during pump operation and pressure control for optimal beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves operating the pump at a reduced voltage level initially and then switching to normal operation voltage, with the option to dim the pump voltage during operation to regulate flow and pressure, using a Buck-converter or motor chopper for DC or AC voltage control, and adjusting the RMS or peak voltage values to enhance noise reduction and beverage quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pump operates at normal voltage from startup, then the beverage production speed is high, but noise level increases during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is operated at reduced voltage during a preliminary startup phase before normal operation begins. This preliminary action at reduced voltage prevents noise generation during the critical startup period when the pump first engages, while still allowing the system to reach operational state. After the preliminary phase, the pump switches to normal voltage for high-speed beverage production.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump voltage is made dynamic rather than static, transitioning from reduced voltage during startup to normal operating voltage during beverage production. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational phases, minimizing noise during startup while maintaining high production speed during normal operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump voltage is reduced during operation, then noise is reduced and beverage quality improves, but the flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles, alternating between reduced voltage phases (for noise reduction and quality improvement) and normal voltage phases (for maintaining flow rate). This periodic voltage modulation allows the system to achieve both low noise operation and adequate productivity by strategically timing voltage reductions during phases where flow rate can be maintained through other means.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the maximum applied voltage level is decreased, then startup noise is reduced, but the pump may not reach optimal operating pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pump undergoes a preliminary startup phase at reduced voltage to minimize noise, followed by a transition to normal voltage levels that ensure optimal operating pressure is achieved. This two-stage approach allows the system to prioritize noise reduction during startup while guaranteeing that pressure requirements are met for quality beverage production.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage adjustment is implemented in a continuous manner rather than abrupt steps, allowing the pump to smoothly transition from reduced voltage (noise reduction) to normal voltage (pressure optimization). This continuous adjustment ensures that the pump maintains useful action throughout the transition, avoiding interruptions that could affect pressure buildup.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces noise during startup, improves the 'in cup quality' and 'crema' of beverages by controlling the pump's noise and pressure, ensuring a higher quality beverage production experience.
Implementation Method 1
The pump can be an inductive load
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage production module (1) comprising a pump (3) for delivering a fluid from a tank (5) to an extraction chamber (13), a power source (17) for the pump (3) and a controller (14) for operating the pump (3) and for controlling the voltage applied from the power source (17) to the pump (3), wherein the controller (14) is adapted to operate the pump (3) at a normal operation voltage (U3) and to operate the pump (3) over a predefined time (T1, T2) at a reduced voltage level (U1, U2). The present invention further relates to a method for operating the pump (3) of a beverage production module (1).