Beverage preparation machine with two-liquid circuits and electronic device for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines using cartridges, such as coffee capsules, are limited in preparing complex and individualized beverages without increasing complexity and usability issues, as they typically only allow for uniform beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with two independently controllable liquid supply circuits and a network interface, allowing for the preparation of composite beverages by combining flavor-containing and hot water components, controlled via an external electronic device for enhanced user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single liquid supply circuit is used to prepare beverages, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the adaptability to prepare complex beverages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply system is divided into two independent circuits: a first liquid supply circuit that delivers liquid to the cartridge for beverage preparation, and a second liquid supply circuit that delivers liquid directly to the beverage outlet. This segmentation enables the machine to prepare complex beverages by combining outputs from both circuits while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular independence.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual control of liquid circuits is implemented, then the precision of beverage customization is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring complex user interface
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the two liquid supply circuits, coordinating their operation to deliver precise liquid volumes and temperatures. The control unit manages the complexity internally, allowing individual circuit control without requiring a complex user interface, as the control unit automatically coordinates the intricate control parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user interface is provided on the machine for individual control, then the adaptability for personalized beverages is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control interface is extracted from the beverage preparation machine and placed on an external electronic device. This allows the machine to maintain simplicity and ease of operation while still providing advanced personalization capabilities through the external device's interface, which handles all complex control parameters for individualized beverage preparation.
4Ease of operation
If remote control via external device is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved by simplifying machine interface, but the loss of direct control information occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical control interface on the machine is replaced with wireless electronic communication between the external device and the machine. This substitution transmits all necessary control information (liquid volumes, temperatures, timing) digitally through the network interface, eliminating information loss by using comprehensive digital data transmission instead of simplified mechanical controls.
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
Enables the preparation of complex beverages like 'Americano' coffee by allowing individual control of liquid temperature and volume, preventing the need for a complex user interface on the machine and allowing remote control through a smartphone or tablet app, thus enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first liquid supply circuit configured for selectively providing liquid of predefined temperature and/or volume from a liquid reservoir of the machine to a cartridge inserted into the machine
Implementation Method 2
a pump for metering liquid into the cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (10) for preparing a liquid beverage from a cartridge, the machine comprising a first liquid supply circuit (13) configured for selectively providing liquid of predefined temperature and/or volume from a liquid reservoir (22) of the machine (10) to a cartridge inserted into the machine, a second liquid supply circuit (14) configured for selectively providing liquid of predefined temperature and/or volume from the liquid reservoir (22) of the machine to a liquid delivery outlet (11b) of the machine, a control unit (15) for controlling the first and second liquid supply circuit (13,14), and a network unit (16) comprising a network interface for communication with an external electronic device (1) over a network, wherein the control unit (15) is configured to individually control the selective provision of liquid from the first and the second liquid supply circuit (13,14) in response to information obtained via the network unit (16).