Coffee Machine Cup Shelf Auto-Cleaning With Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automatic espresso/coffee machines often have a shelf below the beverage outlet that becomes splattered and dirty due to rinsing water and beverage spills, requiring manual cleaning, which is unsightly and affects hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A motor-operated cleaning device with a wiper or lip that automatically cleans the shelf, using optical and weight sensors to detect occupancy and control the cleaning process, ensuring the shelf is cleaned after each use or at user request, effectively removing liquid and improving hygiene and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shelf is designed with openings for rinsing water flow, then the drip tray can be rinsed effectively, but the shelf becomes splattered and dirty during rinsing
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device automatically cleans the shelf itself without external intervention. The motor-operated wiper moves across the shelf to remove liquid and contaminants, enabling the shelf to clean itself after being splattered during rinsing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful liquid and contaminants are extracted from the shelf surface by the wiper and directed into the drip tray through drain openings, separating the cleaning function from the storage function of the shelf
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning of the shelf is required, then hygiene can be maintained, but user convenience is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device automates the shelf cleaning process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system monitors shelf condition via sensors and activates the wiper automatically to maintain hygiene without requiring user action
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning action is replaced by an automated motor-operated wiper system controlled by sensors and a control unit, substituting human labor with an automated electromechanical system
3Extent of automation
If a motor-operated cleaning device is added, then automatic cleaning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the wiper serves both as a cleaning element and a liquid transport mechanism, while the control unit manages both sensor inputs and motor control, reducing the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device, control unit, and motor-operated wiper are merged into an integrated cleaning system. The control unit combines sensor signal processing and motor control functions, and the wiper structure incorporates both cleaning and liquid redirection functions
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 automatic cleaning device eliminates the need for manual cleaning, maintaining a higher standard of hygiene and visual appeal by ensuring the shelf is consistently clean and free of spills, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor, which detects and detects the weight of the shelf, that is to say in particular the weight of a drip tray
Implementation Method 2
The lip of the motor-actuated cleaning device is expediently designed in such a way that it pushes liquid that is still present on the shelf to a drain opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The machine (1) has a stop surface (3) formed below a beverage outlet (2) and formed as a cover of a drip pan (4). A motor-operated cleaning device (5) is provided for cleaning the stop surface, and comprises a wiper or lip (6) that is moved over the stop surface in transverse or depth direction of the machine for cleaning the stop surface. A detection device (7) detects occupancy of the stop surface with a cup and comprises an optical sensor and/or a weight sensor. A control device (8) activates and deactivates the cleaning device, and the stop surface comprises grooves.