Drink Machine Changeover Contact for Low-Standby Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric beverage preparation machines face complexity in detection means that increases the risk of malfunctions and energy inefficiency, particularly in standby and unsuitable shutdown phases.
Innovation Solution
Simplification of detection means by using a changeover contact as the first switching contact, eliminating the need for additional galvanically isolated contacts, and employing a toggle switch or touch contact for actuation, with a control unit managing power supply through a relay or semiconductor switch for efficient on/off control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional galvanically isolated detection means (third switching contact or sensor) are added to detect actuation sequences, then the reliability of switch-off function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function into the existing first switching contact by utilizing its changeover contact design. The movable contact piece serves dual purposes: it closes the power supply contact during actuation and simultaneously opens the control contact to generate the detection signal. This merging eliminates the need for separate galvanically isolated detection means while maintaining reliable switch-off functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first switching contact is designed as a changeover contact with multi-functionality. The same actuating mechanism that controls power supply also generates detection signals through the control contact. This universal design allows a single component to perform both power switching and detection functions, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If the beverage preparation machine remains constantly connected to power supply for readiness, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores actuation sequences and prepares control signals in advance based on detected button press patterns. When the machine is in standby mode, the control unit is already prepared to execute the next required function based on previously detected actuation sequences, enabling quick response without requiring continuous power to functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine operates in periodic cycles of standby and active states. The control unit monitors for actuation sequences during standby and only activates functional units when needed. This periodic operation pattern reduces energy consumption while maintaining readiness through the control unit's continuous monitoring capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The machine has a main control unit (7) connected with a functional unit (8). A switch contact (5) is provided with a power supply contact (11) connected with a switch-on branch (3) and a switch-off branch (4). A control contact (12) is arranged parallel to the contact (5). A detection unit connected with the main control unit is actuated with a button (10). The contact (5) is formed as an alternating contact with the contact (11). The control contact contacting to the contact (11) is formed as a detection element of the detection unit connected with an input of the main control unit.