Coffee machine with milk dispensing device and relative method for controlling a current milk dispensing cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with milk dispensing devices face challenges in precisely controlling the milk dispensing cycle due to variations in milk type, temperature, pressure, and steam flow, leading to incomplete emptying of the jug and potential steam puffs.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with an electronic controller that adjusts dispensing cycle delays based on real-time milk level detection using infrared optical means, adapting to different milk types by modifying transition and delay times to ensure complete emptying without steam puffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the milk dispensing cycle is extended to completely empty the jug, then the jug is emptied completely without residues, but the boiler must be stopped before the end of the dispensing cycle to avoid dangerous steam puffs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors to continuously detect the milk level in the jug and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the dispensing cycle parameters (delay times, pump operation) based on this feedback to ensure complete emptying while preventing dangerous steam puffs by stopping the boiler at the appropriate moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing cycle parameters are made dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit automatically adapts delay times and operational parameters during the dispensing process based on real-time milk level detection, allowing the system to respond to varying milk quantities and types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the milk dispensing cycle is controlled with fixed parameters, then the control is simple, but it cannot adapt to various factors such as milk type, temperature, pressure, and steam flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting milk level and type, then autonomously modifying dispensing parameters without user intervention. The control unit adapts the dispensing cycle based on optical sensor data, eliminating the need for manual parameter setting while handling various milk types and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses optical sensing and electronic parameter adjustment. This substitution enables adaptive control of dispensing parameters based on real-time detection rather than fixed mechanical settings.
3Speed
If the optical detection threshold is set to detect milk level quickly, then the response time is reduced, but the transition time of the detection signal varies with milk type affecting dispensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts dispensing parameters based on the detected transition time of the optical signal. By measuring how long it takes for the signal to transition between thresholds, the system adapts delay times and operational parameters to compensate for variations caused by different milk types, maintaining both fast detection and accurate dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (delay times, pump duration) based on the detected signal transition characteristics. When the transition time indicates a particular milk type, the control unit modifies the dispensing parameters accordingly, allowing the same detection system to work accurately with various milk types.
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 system effectively adapts the milk dispensing cycle to empty the jug completely, regardless of milk type, preventing steam puffs and ensuring accurate milk dispensing according to the selected recipe.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared optical means is provided to detect the level of milk present in the jug
Implementation Method 2
a lid closing the jug having a Venturi-effect chamber capable of drawing the milk present in the jug through a steam flow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Coffee machine (1) comprising a milk dispensing device (4) having a jug (6) containing the milk from which the milk is drawn by means of a steam flow fed to a Venturi-effect chamber connected to the jug (6), where the machine body has an optical means (12) for detecting the level of the milk (14) present in said jug (6) comprising at least a first operative infrared optical means (12a, 12b) for detecting at least around a first level (L1) of milk in said jug (6), where a controller is configured to control a current milk dispensing cycle at least on the basis of the signal acquired by the optical detection means.