Coffee Brewer Network Interface to Reduce Setup Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewers require complex network setups and technical expertise for remote control and data exchange, making them difficult to install and operate, especially when using appliances with heat and mechanical actuators.
Innovation Solution
A coffee brewing apparatus equipped with a sensor, processor, and external network interface that allows direct communication with remote resources for data exchange and control, eliminating the need for a multi-appliance local network by using an optical code reader, RFID tag reader, or other sensors and a modem for interfacing with the Internet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-appliance local area network is used for remote control and data exchange, then communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network communication functionality from the complex multi-appliance local area network setup and consolidates it into a single coffee brewing device with built-in network interface. This allows the coffee maker to independently communicate with remote devices without requiring other appliances to form a local network, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining remote control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coffee brewing device is designed with universal communication capabilities that allow it to function both as a standalone appliance and as a networked device. The built-in network interface enables the coffee maker to perform multiple functions including remote brewing control, diagnostic data exchange, and software updates without requiring specialized network infrastructure or additional appliances
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-appliance local area network is implemented, then remote control functionality is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee brewing device performs self-configuration for network connectivity through automatic connection protocols. When powered on, the device automatically establishes network connections and configures communication parameters without requiring user intervention or technical knowledge. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually set up local area networks or configure complex communication settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified communication interface that acts as an intermediary between the coffee brewing device and remote users. This interface handles complex network protocols and data exchange formats automatically, presenting a simple user-friendly interface while managing the technical complexity in the background through standardized communication protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional appliances are required for network functionality, then communication capabilities are enhanced, but manufacturing cost and appliance compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges network communication functionality directly into the coffee brewing device, combining what were previously separate functions (coffee brewing and network communication) into a single integrated appliance. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional networked appliances and reduces compatibility requirements, as the coffee maker becomes a standalone smart device with built-in communication capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.