Device for processing liquids through steam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for producing foamed milk struggle to consistently determine the liquid level due to air bubbles and contaminants on the milk surface, leading to inconsistent foam quality and difficulty in cleaning complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a weighing mechanism to determine the liquid level in the vessel, coupled with a control unit that adjusts the steam pipe's position based on the weight, ensuring reliable liquid level detection and improved foam quality, along with a valve system for flushing condensation water and controlling steam flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical measurement methods are used to determine liquid level, then the construction can be simple, but the measurement is inaccurate due to air bubbles and contaminants on the milk surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement methods with a weighing mechanism (load cell) to determine the liquid level. The control unit calculates the liquid level based on the weight measurement, which is not affected by air bubbles or contaminants on the liquid surface. This substitution of measurement principle resolves the contradiction by providing accurate measurements without the limitations of optical methods.
2Reliability
If a temperature probe protrudes from the steam pipe, then the temperature can be monitored, but the device becomes more difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature probe from the steam pipe interior and positions it externally, where it can still monitor the liquid temperature through the vessel wall without protruding into the steam flow path. This extraction allows the probe to maintain its monitoring function while eliminating the cleaning difficulty associated with protruding elements inside the steam pipe.
3Manufacturing precision
If a float is provided on the steam pipe to ensure constant distance, then the liquid level can be maintained, but the construction becomes complicated and cleaning is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float system with an electronic control system that uses weighing mechanism data to calculate the liquid level. The control unit then actuates the driving device to position the steam pipe end at the correct distance from the liquid surface. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical floats and springs, simplifying the construction while maintaining precise distance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the steam pipe position dynamic rather than static, using a driving device to actively adjust the distance between the steam pipe end and the liquid surface based on real-time weight measurements. This dynamic adjustment system replaces the static float mechanism, providing precise control without the complexity of mechanical level-following components.
4Measurement precision
If active movement elements and sensors are used to actuate steam pipe movement, then the liquid level can be accurately tracked, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weighing mechanism (already present for other functions) with the liquid level detection function. The same load cell that measures weight for dosing purposes also provides data for calculating liquid level, eliminating the need for separate level sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate level detection.
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 device produces better-quality milk foam with smaller air bubbles and improved consistency, regardless of operator expertise, while simplifying the cleaning process by avoiding complex constructions and optical measurement inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
The means for determining the liquid level comprise means for determining the weight of a liquid in the vessel, such as a weighing device
Implementation Method 2
a pipe with an open end configured for supplying steam to the vessel
Implementation Method 3
heating and/or frothing up of food liquids, in particular milk, by means of steam
Data Source
AI summary
Device, comprising a platform for placing a vessel containing the liquid, a pipe with an open end configured for supplying steam to the vessel, a driving device configured to actuate a relative movement between the end of the pipe and the platform, means for determining a liquid level of the liquid in the vessel, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to actuate the driving device so that a relative initial position between the end of the pipe and the platform is assumed on the basis of the liquid level. The means for determining the liquid level comprise a weighing device. The control unit is then configured to determine the liquid level from the weight.