Hot Beverage Machine Water Transfer Control During Jug Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hot beverage preparation machines, the water transfer process is inaccurately calculated when the water container is removed from the platform, leading to a decrease in brewing quality due to incorrect measurement of water transferred to the brewing chamber.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that monitors the water container's contact with the platform using a temperature sensor and a pump, stopping the counter and pump if contact is lost to ensure accurate water transfer time and amount, with optional features like alternating operation of the pump and sensor for energy efficiency and a warning system for user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water container is removed from the platform during water transfer, then the user can add water or pour water, but the water transfer time measurement becomes inaccurate and brewing quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by stopping the pump and counter before the user removes the water container, and reactivates them after the container is returned. This preliminary preparation ensures that the measurement system is ready to accurately track water transfer time only when the container is properly positioned, preventing measurement errors while allowing user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the temperature sensor to detect whether the water container is on the platform. When the sensor detects the container's presence, it activates the pump and counter; when absent, it stops them. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate measurement of water transfer time only during actual transfer operations, resolving the contradiction between user accessibility and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the pump operates continuously during water transfer, then water is transferred efficiently, but the time duration and amount of water transferred cannot be accurately calculated if the container is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pump and counter operation based on real-time detection of the water container's position. The pump and counter are activated when the container is detected on the platform and deactivated when removed. This dynamic control maintains high water transfer efficiency during operation while ensuring accurate calculation of transfer duration and volume by only measuring during actual transfer periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature sensor and pump operate simultaneously, then both temperature monitoring and water transfer occur, but energy consumption increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating the operation of the temperature sensor and pump. The temperature sensor operates in intervals, activating only when needed for measurement, while the pump operates during water transfer periods. This periodic operation allows both functions to be performed while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous simultaneous operation.
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
Ensures precise calculation of water transfer time and amount, maintaining brewing quality and taste by preventing user interference during the transfer process, thus enhancing the overall brewing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a water heater enabling the water filled into the water container to be heated
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that is disposed on the water container and that measures the temperature of water
Implementation Method 3
a pump that is connected to the water container and that enables the water heated in the water container to be transferred to the brewing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a water container (2) wherein water is filled, a water heater (3) enabling the water in the water container (2) to be heated, a temperature sensor (4) that is disposed on the water container (2) and that measures the temperature of the water heated in the water container (2), a brewing chamber (5) wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between beverage raw material and water, a platform (6) enabling the water container (2) placed thereon to be energized, and a pump (7) that is disposed on the water container (2) and that enables the water heated in the water container (2) to be transferred to the brewing chamber (5).