Consumable recognition system, set of consumables and beverage dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers lack a simple and foolproof method for recognizing the placement and type of consumables, leading to suboptimal brewing parameters and user inconvenience, as they rely on fixed settings or manual adjustments for different types of beverages.
Innovation Solution
A consumable recognition system utilizing a light source and sensor to detect the optical responses of reflection elements or light guides on consumables, generating a unique sensor signal for each type, allowing for automatic adjustment of brewing parameters such as temperature, water quantity, and infusion time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed brewing settings are used in beverage dispensers, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different consumable types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recognition of the consumable type using optical sensors and reflection elements before the brewing process begins. This allows the control unit to pre-determine the appropriate brewing parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments while maintaining high adaptability across different consumable types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of brewing parameters is required for different consumables, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispenser performs self-service by automatically recognizing the consumable type through optical sensors and reflection elements, then autonomously adjusting all brewing parameters without requiring user intervention. This maintains full adaptability while dramatically improving ease of operation, as users simply need to insert the consumable and the system handles the rest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the position and orientation of reflection elements on the consumable, and this information feeds back to the control unit which automatically adjusts brewing parameters. This closed-loop system ensures optimal brewing for each consumable type without requiring manual input from the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical recognition systems are implemented to identify consumable types, then adaptability improves, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential optical recognition functionality needed for consumable identification, using simple light sources and sensors to detect reflection elements. By taking out only the necessary recognition capability rather than implementing a comprehensive identification system, the patent achieves good adaptability while keeping the added complexity minimal.
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 accurate recognition of consumables, optimizing brewing conditions for various beverages, enhancing user convenience and ensuring consistent beverage quality by automatically adjusting parameters based on the detected type and placement of consumables.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor for sensing light reflected from a reflection element of the consumable to obtain a sensor signal
Implementation Method 2
a light guide for guiding light coupled in by a light source and for emitting the guided light at one or more predetermined positions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a consumable recognition system for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable containing a food substance for the preparation of a beverage by use of a beverage dispenser. To enable the recognition of placement and/or type of consumable in a simple, foolproof and easily implementable way an embodiment of the system comprises a light source (31, 301, 311, 321, 331, 341) for emitting light (35) to the consumable (4a, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), a light sensor (32 302, 312, 322, 332, 342) for sensing light (36) reflected from a reflection element (42, 52, 63, 73, 83, 93) of the consumable to obtain a sensor signal, wherein the sensor signal depends on the position, orientation, fluorescence, phosphorescence and/or polarization characteristic of said reflection element, and a signal processor (33) for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable based on said sensor signal.