Drink Maker Having Phase Change Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen drink makers lack automated control mechanisms to accurately detect and manage phase changes during the processing of drink products, leading to inconsistent quality and potential issues due to insufficient ingredients or excessive cooling.
Innovation Solution
A drink maker with a temperature sensor and controller that periodically detects temperature changes to determine phase changes, adjusts cooling circuit operation based on these changes, and includes features to manage motor conditions, ensuring proper mixing and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated control mechanisms are added to detect phase changes, then product quality consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor the drink product temperature and automatically adjusting the cooling circuit operation based on detected phase changes. The controller receives temperature signals from the sensor and modulates the cooling system to maintain the product within desired phase boundaries, ensuring consistent quality without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and control mechanisms with automated electronic detection and control systems. Temperature sensors and electronic controllers substitute for human operators who would otherwise need to manually check temperature and adjust cooling, thereby improving consistency while the automation handles the complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous cooling is applied to ensure proper freezing, then phase change control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or cyclic cooling control rather than continuous cooling. The cooling circuit is activated and deactivated in response to temperature feedback, applying cooling only when phase change is detected or approached. This periodic action maintains precise phase control while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the cooling parameter (on/off state) based on detected temperature conditions. When the temperature indicates a phase change is occurring or approaching the target phase, the cooling circuit is activated; when the desired phase is achieved, cooling is reduced or stopped, optimizing energy usage while maintaining precision.
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
Ensures consistent product quality by accurately controlling phase changes and addressing issues like insufficient ingredients or excessive cooling, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of frozen drink production.
Implementation Method 1
determine whether a phase change of the drink product has occurred based on the periodic temperature signals
Implementation Method 2
a cooling circuit configured to cool the drink product within the mixing vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A drink maker is provided for phase change detection and control. The drink maker includes a mixing vessel configured to receive a drink product. The drink product is mixed within the mixing vessel. The drink maker also includes a cooling circuit configured to cool the drink product within the mixing vessel. The drink maker further includes a temperature sensor configured to periodically detect a temperature associated with the drink product and output periodic temperature signals indicative of the periodically detected temperature. The drink maker further includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether a phase change of the drink product has occurred based on the periodic temperature signals. The controller is also configured to control the cooling circuit based on determining whether the phase change has occurred.