Coffee Machine Acoustic Monitoring for Multi-Subsystem Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers, such as fully automatic coffee machines, require a large number of diverse sensors for monitoring and control, leading to increased manufacturing costs, installation effort, and a higher risk of errors due to the complexity of sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing acoustic sensors to monitor and control the operation of beverage makers by recording and evaluating noises and vibrations emitted by subsystems, reducing the need for multiple sensors through signal processing units that analyze frequency spectra and sound intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of different sensors are used to monitor and control beverage maker subsystems, then the monitoring precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensor system is designed to perform multiple monitoring functions using a single sensor type. The microphone records acoustic signals that can identify various operating states (grinding, brewing, dispensing) and detect multiple error conditions (blockages, empty containers, component failures) across different subsystems, replacing what would traditionally require numerous specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical sensors (microswitches, reed switches, Hall sensors, light barriers, flow meters, pressure sensors) with an acoustic sensing system. The microphone captures sound waves and vibrations generated by subsystem operations, converting mechanical/acoustic phenomena into electrical signals for analysis, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensor assemblies
2Measurement precision
If multiple different sensors are installed to monitor subsystem operations, then the detection precision is improved, but the installation effort and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single acoustic sensor system is deployed to monitor multiple subsystems (coffee grinder, brewing unit, dispensing mechanisms, milk frother) simultaneously. The signal processing unit analyzes acoustic patterns to identify various operating states and error conditions across all subsystems, eliminating the need for installing and configuring multiple specialized sensors throughout the machine
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensor system leverages the natural sounds and vibrations already present during subsystem operations. Each subsystem inherently generates characteristic acoustic signatures during normal operation and error conditions, requiring no additional mechanical actuators or signal-generating components to be installed for monitoring purposes
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous sensors with electrical connections and power supplies are added, then the monitoring capability is improved, but the probability of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single acoustic sensor type (microphone) with unified electrical connections and power supply to monitor all subsystems. This standardized approach eliminates the need for multiple different sensor types, each requiring separate mounting hardware, electrical connections, and power supply configurations, thereby reducing the overall number of potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces numerous mechanical sensors (microswitches, reed switches, Hall sensors, light barriers, flow meters, pressure sensors) with an acoustic sensing system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical mounting structures, multiple electrical connection points, and diverse power supply requirements, reducing the number of components that could fail
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 efficient monitoring and control of beverage makers with fewer sensors, enabling early detection of errors and reducing manufacturing and installation complexities while maintaining effective operational status assessment.
Implementation Method 1
several functions and/or operating states of the subsystems are monitored by detecting the noises and/or body vibrations emitted by the monitored subsystems
Implementation Method 2
several functions and/or operating states of the subsystems are monitored by detecting the noises and/or body vibrations emitted by the monitored subsystems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The method involves executing sensoric monitoring of function and/or operating conditions of subsystems e.g. brewing unit (12), bean container (13), set container (16), boiler (20), pump (21) and driving motor (23), of a fully-automatic coffee machine (10) for controlling operation and/or diagnosis of the machine. The monitoring of the function and/or conditions is carried out through detection of noises and/or body oscillations delivered by the subsystems. The noises are detected by microphones (M1-M3) arranged at different locations and evaluated in a signal processing unit (19). An independent claim is also included for a beverage making machine.