Coffee Machine Optical Sensor for Real-Time Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee machines lack the ability to measure and adjust coffee quality parameters such as soluble solids, coffee cream properties, and operating conditions in real-time, leading to inconsistent coffee production.
Innovation Solution
A sensorized coffee machine equipped with a coffee quality optical sensor that measures coffee flow properties, including soluble solids and cream characteristics, and adjusts parameters like temperature, pressure, and flow rate to optimize coffee extraction and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional digital refractometers are used to measure coffee quality, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/refractometric measurement systems with an optical sensor system that uses light absorption and reflection principles. The optical sensor detects coffee flow characteristics and soluble solids content through non-contact optical measurements, eliminating the need for physical sample handling, filtering, and refractometer calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary device that indirectly measures coffee quality parameters by detecting light interactions with the coffee flow. This intermediary approach allows measurement of soluble solids and cream properties without direct contact with the coffee, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of coffee parameters by bartender is performed, then coffee quality can be optimized based on experience, but consistency and reliability of coffee production decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the optical sensor continuously monitors coffee flow properties and soluble solids content in real-time. The control unit receives this feedback data and automatically adjusts brewing parameters (water temperature, flow rate, pressure) to maintain optimal coffee quality, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring consistent results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of brewing parameters based on real-time optical measurements. The control unit automatically modifies operational parameters to optimize coffee extraction, allowing the machine to serve itself without requiring bartender intervention for quality control.
3Productivity
If pre-set operating parameters are used during production, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different coffee types and quality variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pre-set parameters into dynamic, real-time adjustable parameters. The control unit continuously modifies brewing parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) based on real-time optical sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt to different coffee types, blends, and quality variations while maintaining efficient automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on detected coffee characteristics. When the optical sensor detects variations in coffee flow properties or soluble solids content, the control unit automatically adjusts brewing parameters to optimize extraction, enabling the machine to handle diverse coffee types without manual reconfiguration.
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 real-time quality control and optimization of coffee production, distinguishing coffee types and blends, ensuring consistent and high-quality coffee output while being economically competitive.
Implementation Method 1
professional digital refractometers specifically suitable for analysing the coffee. Such instruments measure the refractive index of a number of drops of coffee
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for dispensing coffee comprising: includesat least one pump,at least one heating device, andat least one delivery group. The pump sends pressurized water to the delivery group, and the heating device heats the water sent to the delivery group.The machine further includes at least one container of ground coffee; anda dispensing opening adapted to deliver, into a cup, coffee obtained by percolating the pressurized heated water through a dose of coffee powder in the container, wherein the coffee includes liquid coffee and coffee cream;The machine includes, in proximity of the dispensing opening, a coffee quality optical sensor adapted to intercept the coffee flow exiting the dispensing opening which detection is processed by a processing and control unit to generate a signal indicative of the properties of the coffee cream and/or a signal proportional to the extraction of coffee in the liquid coffee.