Coffee Machine Self-Turn-Off Circuit With Capacitor Power Hold-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automatic coffee machine control circuits face issues with the self-turn-off function, as the logic controller stops working due to a lack of low output voltage when the transformer is not appropriately supplied during the switching process, leading to an interruption in the electric power supply.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit for self-turn-off in automatic coffee machines, featuring a logic controller with low supply voltage, a power supply with a converter, switches for controlling electrical loads, an electrically actuated deviator, and electrical energy storage means, such as condensers, to maintain power supply during switching from deactivation to activation, ensuring continuous energy supply to the logic controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transformer is used to lower high input voltage to low output voltage for the logic controller, then the voltage compatibility is improved, but the logic controller stops working when the transformer is not appropriately supplied during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging energy storage capacitors before the switching operation. The capacitors are charged during the period when high voltage is available, storing energy in advance. When the deviator switches and high voltage becomes unavailable, the pre-charged capacitors immediately provide the necessary energy to the logic controller, preventing any interruption in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses energy storage capacitors as an intermediary element between the high voltage power supply and the low voltage logic controller. These capacitors act as a buffer that decouples the logic controller from the switching actions of the deviator, ensuring that the controller receives continuous power regardless of the switching state. This intermediary solution resolves the contradiction by protecting the logic controller from voltage fluctuations while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If the deviator switches from deactivation to activation status, then the machine operation is restored, but the logic controller lacks power supply during the switching time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage capacitors during the deactivation period when high voltage is available. This pre-charging ensures that when the deviator switches to activation status, the capacitors are already filled with energy and can immediately supply power to the logic controller during the transient switching period, maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage capacitors provide beforehand cushioning by storing energy in advance to compensate for the power supply interruption during switching. This cushioning effect ensures that the logic controller never experiences a complete power loss, even during the transition when the deviator is switching states, thus maintaining productivity without energy interruption.
3Reliability
If the logic controller is continuously supplied with low voltage, then the controller operates reliably, but the power supply system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage capacitors serve as an intermediary that simplifies the overall power supply architecture. Instead of requiring complex real-time voltage regulation and switching control to maintain continuous power to the logic controller, the capacitors provide a straightforward energy buffer that naturally maintains voltage continuity during switching transitions, achieving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal distribution of power supply parameters by storing energy in advance and releasing it during critical periods. This parameter change approach transforms the power supply from a continuous real-time delivery system to a pulsed storage-and-release system, which is inherently simpler to implement while maintaining the same reliability outcome.
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 guarantees continuous electrical energy supply to the logic controller, allowing the machine to operate reliably for a longer period than required by legislation, ensuring stable operation even when the high input voltage is lacking, by using condensers to store energy and maintain power during the switching process.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy storage means for maintaining the electric power supply of the logic controller for the entire operating time of the deviator switching from machine deactivation status to activation status, preferably comprising at least one condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit, connectable to a domestic power line (L1, L2), includes a logic controller (1), a power supply (2) for the logic controller (1), at least one control switch (3) for an electrical load (4, 5) connected to the logic controller (1), and an electrically actuated deviator (6) connected to the logic controller (1). The deviator (6) is switchable between a machine activation status, where a main power line (7) of the power supply (2) is connected to the domestic power line (L1, L2), and a machine deactivation status, where a secondary power line (8) of the power supply (2) is connected to the domestic power line (L1, L2), having a normally open switch (9) connected to the logic controller (1), and energy storage that maintains power supply to the logic controller (1) for an operating time of the deviator (6) switching.