Coffee Machine Temperature Probe with RFID Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with temperature sensors for liquid detection either perform indirect and approximate measurements or have complex mechanical systems, lacking a simple and efficient solution for precise temperature reading during beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with an immersible temperature detection probe featuring a first and second antenna for wireless RFID transmission, allowing for direct and precise temperature measurement of liquids without complex mechanical systems, and with low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If temperature sensors rest on outer walls of containers for indirect measurement, then the measurement is simpler to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates (poorly efficient, approximate measurements)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with an RFID-based wireless temperature detection system. The temperature sensor is integrated into an RFID tag that can be immersed directly in the liquid, eliminating the need for mechanical cable management systems while enabling precise direct temperature measurement of the liquid rather than indirect wall-based measurements.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors use direct measurement in liquid, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases (complex mechanical systems for managing sensor cable)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical cable management systems by using an RFID-based wireless temperature detection system. The temperature sensor is integrated into an RFID tag that communicates wirelessly with the coffee machine, removing all mechanical components related to cable routing and sensor positioning while maintaining direct liquid temperature measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from a complex mechanical sensor assembly and integrates it into a simple RFID tag. This extraction removes the unnecessary mechanical complexity (cables, connectors, positioning mechanisms) while retaining the essential temperature measurement capability through the RFID communication interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sensor systems are used, then the structure is more conventional, but the energy consumption increases (lack of low energy consumption feature)
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is a passive device that harvests energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the RFID reader in the coffee machine. This self-powered operation eliminates the need for batteries or external power sources, achieving ultra-low energy consumption while maintaining wireless communication capability for temperature data transmission.
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 immediate, automatic, and precise temperature detection of liquids before, during, and after beverage preparation, simplifying the machine's structure and reducing energy consumption while ensuring accurate temperature control for brewing.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature probe comprises a second antenna interacting with the first antenna for wireless transmission, preferably of the RFID type, of the temperature detected of the liquid in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for preparing beverages comprises a front wall, a rest base for containers positioned in front of the front wall and a temperature detection probe immersible in a comestible liquid contained in a container positioned on the rest base. The front wall has a beverage dispenser and a steam dispenser positioned above the rest base of the containers and supports a first antenna. The temperature probe comprises a second antenna interacting with the first antenna for wireless transmission of the temperature detected of the liquid in the container.