Coffee Machine Height-Adaptive Dispensing for Collision-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face challenges in accurately dispensing beverages into containers of varying sizes and shapes, leading to potential collisions and inefficient operation, particularly when the container is changed during the dispensing process.
Innovation Solution
A drinks machine equipped with a height sensor and a control unit that measures the height difference between the outlet device and the vessel, allowing for controlled and collision-free movement of the outlet device to match the vessel's height, along with optional shape sensors for precise volume estimation, ensuring safe and accurate dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet device is made height-adjustable to accommodate different vessel sizes, then the adaptability to different containers is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional drive mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet device is designed with a height-adjustable support structure that can dynamically change its position vertically. The support structure includes a drive mechanism (motor, screw drive, or rack and pinion) that enables the outlet device to move between different height positions, allowing adaptation to various container sizes while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A height sensor (optical, ultrasonic, or capacitive) is integrated into the system to detect the height of the container and provide feedback signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this information and automatically adjusts the outlet device height accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring precise positioning.
2Reliability
If a height sensor and control system are added to prevent collisions, then the reliability of the dispensing process is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The height sensor continuously monitors the container height before the dispensing process begins. The control unit receives this information in advance and pre-adjusts the outlet device to the appropriate height position, ensuring that the dispensing operation can proceed without collisions or interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual height adjustment and collision detection with an automated system combining electronic sensors and control logic. The height sensor (optical or ultrasonic) substitutes for mechanical measurement methods, and the microcontroller-based control unit replaces manual operation, achieving reliable automated collision prevention.
3Ease of operation
If the outlet device moves automatically to match vessel height, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the additional movement and adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The height sensor operates continuously or in rapid succession to monitor container height, and the drive mechanism is designed to move the outlet device efficiently to the target position. The control unit processes sensor data and initiates movement without unnecessary delays, maintaining continuous operational flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the movement parameters of the outlet device by adjusting speed, acceleration, and positioning based on the detected height difference. The control unit calculates the optimal movement trajectory and executes it efficiently, minimizing adjustment time while ensuring precise positioning.
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
The solution ensures safe and accurate dispensing of beverages into containers of different sizes and shapes, preventing collisions and optimizing the dispensing process by continuously monitoring and adjusting to the vessel's height and shape, thus enhancing operational reliability and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
the height sensor (17) is a time-of-flight sensor for determining a distance between the height sensor (17) and an object by means of the transit time of a signal emitted by the height sensor (17) and reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
The transducer assembly includes at least two piezoelectric crystals for emitting and receiving ultrasonic energy from the drip grid, the cup rim, the top of ice in the cup and the rising liquid level
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage vending machine (10), in particular a coffee vending machine, comprises a beverage preparation unit (11) which is fluidically connected to a dispensing device (12) which is arranged above a platform (19) for a container (18, 18') that collects the prepared beverage, wherein the dispensing device (12) and the platform (19) are movable relative to each other in height by means of a drive (13) controllable via a control unit (14). Reliable operation is characterized by the provision of a height sensor (17) which measures the height difference (Δh) between the upper edge of a container (18, 18') placed on the platform (19) and the dispensing device (12) and outputs a corresponding signal for controlling the drive (13) of the dispensing device (12) and/or the platform (19).