Coffee machine with a system for a single dose dispensing of emulsionated and heated milk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with milk emulsification and heating systems face issues such as incomplete milk dispensing, annoying steam jets, sensor dirtiness, and limited dual-cup dispensing capabilities due to the carafe's positioning and timed dispensing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a system that includes a carafe with a lid and Venturi tube for emulsifying and heating milk, equipped with infrared sensors to detect residual milk amounts, allowing for single-dose dispensing and preventing steam release until the carafe is empty, while maintaining the carafe off the support surface to prevent dirt and enable simultaneous coffee and milk dispensing in separate cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the carafe is positioned on the support surface to be easily accessible, then the user can easily fill and remove the carafe, but the carafe occupies the cup placement space and prevents simultaneous dispensing into two cups
Solution Approach 1:
The carafe is moved from the horizontal support surface plane to a vertical suspension position above the support surface. This dimensional change allows the carafe to be easily accessible from above while freeing up the support surface for dual-cup dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A suspension mechanism acts as an intermediary between the carafe and the support surface, holding the carafe in a suspended position above the support surface. This intermediary structure enables both easy carafe access and dual-cup dispensing capability simultaneously.
2Productivity
If the dispensing cycle is timed to complete milk dispensing, then the dispensing process is automated and efficient, but residual steam is released at the end causing annoying and potentially dangerous jets
Solution Approach 1:
An optical sensor provides feedback about the milk level in the carafe during the dispensing cycle. This feedback allows the control system to monitor the dispensing process and terminate it precisely when the milk is depleted, preventing residual steam release while maintaining automated efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor detects the milk level in advance during the dispensing cycle, allowing the system to prepare for termination before the milk is completely depleted. This preliminary detection prevents the harmful residual steam jets by stopping the process at the optimal moment.
3Device complexity
If the carafe is positioned on the support surface in the vicinity of the cup, then the milk dispensing system is compact, but the carafe and sensors are easily dirtied by coffee and milk residues
Solution Approach 1:
The carafe is extracted from its position on the support surface and suspended above it. This separation removes the carafe and sensors from the contaminated environment of the support surface, preventing dirt accumulation while maintaining a compact overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension mechanism serves as an intermediary that positions the carafe above the support surface, creating a physical barrier that prevents contact with coffee and milk residues. This intermediary structure protects the carafe and sensors from contamination.
4Quantity of substance
If the carafe size is large to contain sufficient milk for multiple drinks, then the milk supply is adequate for multiple cappuccinos, but the carafe cannot be easily monitored for residual milk amount
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor replaces mechanical or manual milk level detection methods. This non-contact optical measurement system can accurately detect milk levels in a large carafe without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical components, enabling precise monitoring of milk quantity throughout the dispensing process.
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
Ensures complete milk dispensing without steam jets, maintains sensor cleanliness, and allows for simultaneous dispensing into two cups, ensuring hygienic operation and efficient milk use.
Implementation Method 1
means for conveying steam, generated inside the coffee machine, and a Venturi tube present in the lid to emulsify and/or heat the milk inside said lid
Data Source
AI summary
The coffee machine (1) with a system for emulsifying and heating milk comprises a body (2) having a coffee dispenser (3) and a device (4) for emulsifying and/or heating milk having a carafe (6) for containing the milk and a lid (7) for closing the carafe (6), means (8) for conveying the steam generated inside the coffee machine, to a Venturi tube (9) present in the lid (7) so as to emulsify and/or heat the milk inside said lid, the device (4) being provided with detection means (12) for detecting the presence of milk in the carafe (6) so as to interrupt the dispensing of milk when said carafe (6) is completely empty.