Coffee Capsule Recognition Using Vibration Sensor During Brewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee capsule recognition techniques require special features on the capsules or complex sensors in machines, leading to increased manufacturing costs and unreliable results due to environmental conditions within coffee machines.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use a vibration sensor to detect the unique vibration characteristics of a coffee capsule during brewing, recognizing capsules based on parameters like asymptotic vibration amplitude and saturation time without requiring special features on the capsules or complex modifications to the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If special features (shape, reflection elements, coloured areas) are provided on coffee capsules for recognition, then capsule recognition capability is improved, but manufacturing cost of capsules increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule recognition capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of capsules

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the recognition feature from the capsule itself and places it on the machine side. Instead of modifying capsules with special features, the machine is equipped with a vibration sensor that detects intrinsic vibration characteristics of different capsule types during operation, thereby eliminating the need for expensive capsule modifications while maintaining recognition capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces optical/mechanical recognition systems (sensors for detecting shape, reflection, or color) with a vibration-based detection system. The vibration sensor measures mechanical vibrations generated during capsule operation, providing a cost-effective alternative that eliminates the need for special capsule features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If complex sensors are implemented within the coffee machine for capsule recognition, then recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of machine

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive vibration sensor instead of complex optical or mechanical sensors. This low-cost sensor reliably detects capsule characteristics through vibration analysis during operation, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate recognition accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule itself serves as the source of recognition information through its natural vibration characteristics during operation. The system utilizes the capsule's inherent mechanical properties rather than requiring external markers or complex sensing mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If light sensors are used for capsule recognition, then recognition function is achieved, but reliability decreases due to high humidity and darkness conditions within the machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition functionVSAvoidreliability of sensor operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical sensors (light sensors) with a vibration-based mechanical detection system. Vibration sensors are not affected by humidity or darkness conditions, providing reliable operation in the challenging internal environment of the coffee machine while maintaining the capsule recognition function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for reliable and cost-effective recognition of coffee capsules, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while operating reliably in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

detecting vibrations of a component of the capsule coffee machine, the component being rigidly connected with the coffee capsule within the machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11464356B2Method and system for coffee capsule recognition

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 TELECOM ITALIA SPA

AI summary

It is disclosed a method and system for recognizing coffee capsules used by a capsule coffee machine, wherein a vibration sensor is arranged within the capsule coffee machine to detect vibrations of a machine component (e.g. the pump, or the capsule holder, or the hydraulic circuit connecting the pump with the capsule holder) rigidly connected with the coffee capsule fitted in the machine during the brewing of a coffee beverage. As the brewing is started, the vibration sensor detects the vibrations to which the machine component (and all the other machine components rigidly connected thereto during the brewing, including the variable-mass coffee capsule) is subjected, and generates a vibration signal corresponding thereto. The vibration signal is then processed for determining at least one parameter thereof. The coffee capsule is then recognized based on the value of the determined parameter(s).