Automatic coffee machine for capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portioned coffee machines with WiFi modules require additional manufacturing and assembly costs due to the need for a separate switch or button to activate or deactivate the WiFi module, which complicates assembly and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a barcode reading device in the receptacle that uses coffee capsules or paper inserts with barcodes to control the WiFi module's activation or deactivation, eliminating the need for additional switches or buttons by using the existing control device to read and execute commands for switching the WiFi module on or off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate switch or button is provided to activate or deactivate the WiFi module, then the WiFi module can be controlled, but manufacturing costs and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reading device, originally designed solely for reading coffee capsule barcodes, is enhanced to also read switch commands for WiFi module control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switches or buttons, reducing component count and assembly costs while maintaining WiFi controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The switch function for WiFi module control is merged into the barcode reading device by placing switch commands (barcodes) directly on the coffee capsules. The control unit combines barcode reading and switch command interpretation functions, eliminating the need for separate physical switches
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate switch or button is provided to activate or deactivate the WiFi module, then the WiFi module can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reading device performs dual functions: reading coffee capsule identification barcodes and reading switch commands for WiFi module control. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit integrates multiple functions including barcode reading, command interpretation, and WiFi module control into a single integrated system, reducing device complexity by eliminating separate control components
3Ease of operation
If the WiFi module is always activated, then connectivity is always available, but electromagnetic radiation is continuously emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The WiFi module is activated only periodically when needed, based on switch commands read from coffee capsules. Instead of continuous operation, the module is activated on-demand, reducing electromagnetic radiation while maintaining connectivity availability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates or deactivates the WiFi module based on commands stored on the coffee capsules themselves. The coffee capsule acts as the control medium, eliminating the need for separate user interfaces and enabling automatic control of electromagnetic radiation emission
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
This solution reduces assembly and manufacturing costs, enhances user-friendliness, and minimizes electromagnetic radiation by only activating the WiFi module when necessary, while allowing for customizable coffee preparation settings and service activation.
Implementation Method 1
a barcode reading device connected to a control device being arranged in the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portioned coffee machine with a controllable WiFi module and a receptacle for receiving coffee capsules containing coffee, wherein a reading device connected to a control unit, in particular a barcode reading device, is arranged in the receptacle, wherein at least one coffee capsule or paper insert is provided on which at least one on/off command in the form of information readable by the reading device, in particular a barcode, is stored for the WiFi module, such that by inserting the coffee capsule or paper insert into the receptacle the control unit receives a command to switch the WiFi module on or off, wherein the control unit is designed such that it switches the WiFi module on or off based on the received command.This eliminates the need for separate switches/buttons to turn the WiFi module on/off, thereby reducing the variety of parts, assembly costs and manufacturing costs.