Coffee Machine Dual Flow Sensing for Precise Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot drinks machines, such as fully automatic coffee machines, face challenges in accurately measuring water usage for both preparation and functional units without interference, leading to potential contamination and inefficient process control.
Innovation Solution
A dual flow sensor system is implemented, where a first flow sensor measures water in the preparation line and a second flow sensor measures water in a common secondary line feeding multiple functional units, allowing for separate and precise recording of water usage without cross-influence, and enabling precise process control through device control based on measured values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow sensor is used in the supply line to measure water for both preparation unit and functional units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of water usage for preparation unit is degraded due to interference from functional units water consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is segmented into two separate measurement zones: the preparation line receives water from the supply line with its own flow sensor, while functional units receive water through a secondary line with a separate flow sensor. This segmentation allows independent measurement of water consumption for preparation versus functional units, eliminating measurement interference while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Productivity
If water is supplied simultaneously to preparation unit and functional units from the same supply line, then the productivity of the hot drinks machine is improved, but the measurement precision of water usage is degraded due to cross-influence between simultaneous water removals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water supply into two independently measurable pathways: the preparation line with its dedicated flow sensor and the secondary line for functional units with its own flow sensor. This allows simultaneous water supply to preparation unit and functional units without measurement interference, as each pathway's consumption is recorded separately by its own sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary line acts as an intermediary pathway that branches from the main supply line to serve functional units. This intermediary structure enables functional units to receive water simultaneously with the preparation unit while their water consumption is measured separately through the second flow sensor, preventing falsification of preparation unit water amount records.
3Device complexity
If a flow sensor is arranged in the preparation line only, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control and monitor water usage for functional units is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by placing the first flow sensor in the preparation line and the second flow sensor in the secondary line serving functional units. This segmented sensor arrangement provides the device control with separate measurement data for preparation water usage and functional unit water usage, enabling independent monitoring and control of each function's water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device control receives feedback from both flow sensors to monitor and control water usage. The first flow sensor provides feedback on preparation line water consumption, while the second flow sensor provides feedback on functional units water consumption through the secondary line. This dual feedback mechanism enables precise process control for both beverage preparation and functional unit operations.
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 setup allows for precise and time-optimized control of water usage and cleaning processes, reducing costs by using impeller or other flow sensors, and enabling the production of temperature-adjusted drinks and efficient cleaning cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow sensor for detecting the amount of water flowing in the preparation line
Implementation Method 2
a second flow sensor for detecting the amount of water used for the other functional unit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot beverage vending machine for preparing a hot beverage, in particular a coffee beverage, tea or instant beverage such as cocoa, with a piping system through which water flows, and which comprises a preparation line in which a preparation unit is arranged, as well as a secondary line in which a further functional unit is arranged, wherein a flow sensor for measuring the quantity of water flowing through the line is arranged in both the preparation line and the secondary line.