Electrically operated beverage maker (preferably coffee machine) having dynamic maintenance plan generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers, such as coffee machines, employ rigid maintenance schedules that do not account for varying operational loads and conditions, leading to potential quality losses and inefficiencies in maintenance planning.
Innovation Solution
A method to evaluate maintenance requirements of components based on load parameters and reliability parameters, allowing for dynamic maintenance scheduling that optimizes maintenance deadlines and costs by considering actual wear and tear, rather than just running time or cycle counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rigid maintenance schedules based on fixed running time or cycle counts are used, then maintenance planning is simple and straightforward, but maintenance costs increase and component lifespan is reduced due to unnecessary early replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic maintenance scheduling that adapts to actual component conditions. The control unit continuously monitors operational parameters and dynamically adjusts maintenance timing based on real-time component state, transitioning from static fixed-interval schedules to dynamic condition-based schedules. This extends component lifespan while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors component performance parameters and uses this information to adjust maintenance schedules. The system receives feedback on actual component condition and modifies future maintenance timing accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both component lifespan and maintenance planning.
2Ease of operation
If rigid maintenance schedules based on fixed running time or cycle counts are used, then maintenance intervals are easy to determine, but maintenance costs increase due to unnecessary early replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of component condition through integrated sensors and control units that automatically monitor component health. The machine itself generates maintenance recommendations based on its own operational data, eliminating the need for external estimation and enabling precise, cost-optimal maintenance scheduling that reduces unnecessary replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for maintenance scheduling from fixed time/cycle intervals to dynamic parameters based on actual component condition. The system monitors multiple operational parameters and uses these changing parameters to determine optimal maintenance timing, reducing maintenance costs by avoiding premature replacements while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter tracking.
3Loss of energy
If maintenance is delayed beyond fixed schedules, then maintenance costs are reduced, but quality losses occur due to component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of component condition using monitored operational parameters to predict when maintenance will be needed. By detecting early signs of component degradation and taking preliminary action before failure occurs, the system schedules maintenance at the optimal moment - extending intervals to reduce costs while ensuring quality is maintained through proactive intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors component performance and provides feedback on actual condition versus predicted condition. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust maintenance timing dynamically, extending intervals when components are healthy while triggering timely maintenance when degradation is detected, thus reducing costs without compromising beverage quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated beverage maker, in particular electrically operated coffee machine, having at least one component which is subjected to wear and tear and hence maintenance-relevant, wherein at least one load parameter which characterises an actual wear and tear of the maintenance-relevant component can be determined, and in that at least one reliability parameter of the maintenance-relevant component can be calculated, taking into account the specific load parameter(s) of the maintenance-relevant component.