Coffee Machine Laser Scanner for Pomace Fill Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee machines lack an effective method to detect the instantaneous fill level of the pomace container, leading to potential overfilling, which is critical in the catering trade where timely notification of fullness is essential for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine equipped with a laser scanner that generates a two-dimensional beam profile to determine the distance of pomace in the container, allowing for precise measurement of the height profile and fill level, thereby preventing overfilling by comparing it to a reference profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fill level detection methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of pomace fill level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or simple optical fill level detection methods with a laser scanner-based measurement system. The laser scanner emits laser beams and detects reflected light to precisely measure the height of the pomace surface, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent aperture as an intermediary element between the laser scanner and the pomace container. This aperture allows the laser beams to pass through while protecting the scanner, and its position can be used as a reference point for accurate height measurements of the pomace surface.
2Measurement precision
If a laser scanner is positioned close to the pomace container for detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the risk of pomace contamination to the scanner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places a transparent aperture between the laser scanner and the pomace container. This aperture serves as a protective barrier that prevents pomace particles from directly contacting and contaminating the scanner, while still allowing the laser beams to pass through for accurate distance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the laser scanner above the pomace container in a vertical arrangement, with the detection area directed downward toward the pomace surface. This spatial configuration allows the scanner to be positioned at a safe distance from the pomace while maintaining measurement precision through the transparent aperture.
3Reliability
If the laser scanner continuously monitors the pomace fill level, then the detection reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning of the pomace fill level using the laser scanner, rather than continuous monitoring. The system can trigger scans at regular intervals or based on specific conditions (such as during brewing cycles), maintaining reliable detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Enables precise detection of the pomace fill level, allowing for timely notification when the container is full or almost full, preventing overfilling and simplifying maintenance through a cost-effective and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanner (6) for determining the amount of grounds accumulated in the grounds container (3)... the laser radiation produced by the laser scanner is emitted in a predefined beam plane... the laser radiation reflected from the pomace can be detected by the laser scanner
Implementation Method 2
the laser radiation reflected from the pomace can be detected by the laser scanner
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee machine (1), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine. The coffee machine (1) comprises a brewing chamber (2) for preparing coffee, a pomace container (3) for receiving the pomace (4) produced in the brewing chamber (2), and a laser scanner (6) for determining a pomace container (3 ) accumulated amount of pomace (4).