Differential pressure flow meter for beverage maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft beverage maker devices are prone to overflow due to software or electrical sensor malfunctions, which can cause solenoids to remain open indefinitely, leading to water overflow in the platen drain system.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker device equipped with a pressure transducer and a process control board that monitors water pressure and flow volume, using solenoid valves to prevent overflow by ceasing water dispensation when a predetermined threshold is reached, even in the event of software or sensor failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software or electrical sensor malfunctions occur, then solenoids may remain open indefinitely, but this leads to water overflow in the platen drain system
Solution Approach 1:
A differential pressure flow meter is introduced as an intermediary device between the water supply and the platen drain system. This flow meter independently measures actual water flow and provides feedback to the control system, acting as a mediator that can detect overflow conditions even when the primary solenoid control system fails due to software or sensor malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential pressure flow meter continuously monitors water flow and provides real-time feedback to the control system. When the measured flow exceeds expected parameters, the system receives feedback signals that trigger corrective actions, such as closing solenoid valves, to prevent water overflow even when primary control fails.
2Reliability
If pressure transducers and flow monitoring are added, then overflow prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential pressure flow meter serves multiple functions: it measures water flow for overflow prevention, provides feedback for control system adjustments, and can detect various abnormal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved overflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically respond to flow meter signals without requiring external intervention or complex manual override mechanisms. The system self-regulates by automatically adjusting solenoid valve positions based on flow meter feedback, reducing the need for additional complex control components.
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
Effectively prevents overflow at any angle by tracking flow volume based on pressure, ensuring safe operation even in the presence of software or sensor failures, thereby maintaining reliable brewing and dispensing of coffee, tea, or hot water.
Implementation Method 1
Within the inlet body are plumbed two pressure transducers, on either side (e.g., tank-side and coupling-side) of a restriction orifice. The tank-side and coupling-side pressure transducers sense flow pressure on their respective sides of the restriction orifice and generate tank-side and coupling-side flow pressure signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage maker device is disclosed. In embodiments, the device includes an external housing and a water tank coupled to a water supply via an inlet. The beverage maker includes a manifold within the housing, the manifold controlling the dispensing of the water into a server or through a faucet via solenoid valves. Within the inlet body connecting the tank to the water supply are plumbed two pressure transducers on either side (e.g., tank-side and coupling-side) of a restriction orifice. The tank-side and coupling-side pressure transducers sense flow pressure on their respective sides of the restriction orifice and generate tank-side and coupling-side flow pressure signals. Within the housing a process control board (PCB) includes control processors and control circuitry in communication with the solenoid valves. The PCB control processors determine a differential pressure associated with the water flow based on the received tank-side and coupling-side pressure signals.