Drinks preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinks preparation machines with capsule recognition modules are technically complex and expensive, necessitating a more economical solution for detecting portion packages and tracking brewing processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow-meter and machine electronics to measure fluid delivery volume and flow rate, allowing differentiation between brewing with and without a portion package, using simple evaluation methods to detect package presence and track brewing processes without additional hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capsule recognition module is used to detect portion packages, then the ability to differentiate between brewing states is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a complex optical recognition module and implements it using a simple flow-meter that measures fluid delivery volume. The flow-meter is integrated into the existing fluid conduit, and the detection logic is embedded in the machine electronics that already control the pump, eliminating the need for separate recognition hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine electronics are configured to perform multiple functions: controlling the pump operation, acquiring flow-meter measurements, evaluating brewing states, and detecting portion package presence. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated recognition module hardware while achieving the same detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If a capsule recognition module is used to detect portion packages, then the ability to differentiate between brewing states is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive optical recognition module and replaces it with a flow-meter that is already present in the system for brewing control. This extraction of the detection function to an existing component significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine electronics are configured to handle both pump control and portion package detection using the same hardware infrastructure. This multi-functional configuration eliminates the need for additional expensive components, reducing manufacturing costs while preserving detection capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard machine components are used for detection, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the flow-meter measurements to accurately determine brewing states. The electronics continuously monitor the fluid delivery volume and use this feedback to differentiate between brewing with and without a portion package, achieving high detection accuracy with standard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical recognition to fluid delivery volume measurement. By monitoring the delivery volume through the flow-meter, the system achieves accurate portion package detection using standard mechanical components rather than expensive optical sensors.
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
This approach enables accurate detection of portion packages and tracking of brewing processes, preventing false activations and maintaining low costs by utilizing standard machine components, facilitating inventory management and loyalty programs.
Implementation Method 1
a flow-meter that is arranged on the fluid conduit, which leads via the pump into the brewing chamber, such that directly or indirectly, it can measure a delivery volume of the fluid that is delivered into the brewing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The drinks preparation machine includes a pump for delivering the preparation fluid—generally water—into a brewing chamber, which receives the portion package, as well as a flow-meter for measuring the fluid flow into the brewing chamber. Machine electronics activate the pump and acquire the results of flow rate measurement, in order for example to switch off the pump after reaching a defined delivered fluid quantity. The electronics are configured to evaluate the measured flow rate and from this evaluation to make a differentiation between a first state “brewing with an inserted portion package” and a second state “water throughflow without inserted portion package”, in order to detect the presence of a portion package in the brewing chamber.