Brewing module and machine for making beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face challenges in reliably detecting capsule properties near a hot and contaminated brewing chamber, leading to issues with fogging and soiling of optical sensors, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A brewing module with a mechanically drivable blowing device generates an air flow to counteract fogging and cleaning of a transparent window element between the capsule detection position and the optical sensor, using a relative movement mechanism driven by a manual or motorized drive, allowing for effective optical capsule detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is installed close to the brewing chamber for capsule detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the window element fogs up and gets dirty due to heat and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factors (heat and contamination) are extracted from the path between the camera and capsule by positioning the camera at a detection position outside the brewing chamber, while still maintaining sufficient detection precision through strategic placement and window design
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent window element serves as an intermediary between the camera and the capsule, allowing optical detection while physically separating the camera from the hot and contaminated brewing chamber environment
2Reliability
If a fan is installed to prevent fogging of the window element, then the reliability of optical detection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing module's own operational movements (opening/closing, piston movement) are utilized to drive the blowing device, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional power sources or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing device is integrated with existing brewing module components (operating lever, piston, springs) so that a single mechanical movement simultaneously closes the brewing chamber and activates the air flow for window cleaning
3Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent window element is added for optical detection, then the capsule detection capability is improved, but the window element fogs up and gets dirty in the hot brewing environment
Solution Approach 1:
Air flow is generated before the capsule detection takes place to prevent fogging and soiling from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to clean the window after contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent window element acts as an intermediary that enables optical detection while isolating the camera from the harmful brewing chamber environment when combined with the air flow protection
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 solution enables reliable optical capsule detection with a simple construction, preventing fogging and soiling while maintaining a cost-effective and space-efficient design, suitable for both manual and automated brewing modules.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing device for generating an air flow, which is arranged to generate an air flow on the side of the window element towards the capsule detection position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A brewing module for preparing a brewed beverage from a single-serve capsule has a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part (4) which can be moved, relative to the first brewing module part, between a first brewing module part position and a second brewing module part position, wherein a movement of the second brewing module part relative to the first brewing module part can be driven by a manual or motorised drive via a transmission mechanism. A capsule detection device (5) having an optical sensor for detecting optical properties of the capsule is also provided. The brewing module is characterised by a mechanically drivable blowing device (60) for generating an air stream, which blowing device is arranged to generate an air stream on the side of the window element facing the single-serve capsule. The blowing device is mounted such that it is driven by a relative movement of elements of the brewing module, which relative movement is generated by the drive or the transmission mechanism.