Electromagnetic Package Recognition for Beverage Capsule Alignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package recognition systems in beverage production machines face reliability and convenience issues due to the need for precise alignment and high redundancy in coding systems, especially in environments with residual ingredients and movement, which complicates the identification process.
Innovation Solution
A beverage production machine equipped with two resonant tank circuits and electronic detection circuits using electromagnetic induction and metal detection to recognize packages, allowing for robust and accurate identification with reduced alignment requirements and tolerance for physical and electrical variations, along with packages featuring conductive material edge sections that encode information for reliable recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a package recognition system uses a coding system with high redundancy to ensure reliable reading during movement and in dirty environments, then the reliability of package identification is improved, but the device complexity and coding system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical or mechanical reading systems with a simple electromagnetic induction-based detection system. The detection circuit uses a coil and capacitor to sense changes in electrical parameters caused by conductive material on the package, eliminating the need for complex optical codes or mechanical sensors while achieving reliable identification during movement and in dirty environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical or mechanical measurements to electrical parameter measurements (changes in electrical parameters of the coil-capacitor circuit). This parameter change enables simple, reliable detection of conductive material patterns on packages without requiring complex reading mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If the package recognition system requires precise alignment and positioning of the package within the machine, then the measurement precision of the recognition system is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the package identification into two independent parts: conductive material patterns on the lid for encoding information, and conductive material patterns on the base unit for positioning. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be separated from the information reading function, enabling tolerance in overall package positioning while maintaining accurate information detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive material pattern on the base unit as an intermediary element that provides positioning information independently of the main identification code on the lid. This intermediary positioning marker allows the system to compensate for positioning variations without affecting the reliability of the main code reading
3Ease of operation
If the package recognition system uses contactless electromagnetic detection to enable near-field detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to interference from water or residual material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of water and residual material into a beneficial feature by using the package holder as part of the detection circuit. The holder provides a stable electrical reference that compensates for the effects of contaminants, allowing reliable detection even in wet environments without requiring contactless operation
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
The solution enables reliable and efficient package recognition with improved accuracy and reduced complexity, allowing for near-field, non-contact detection even in the presence of water or residual material, and supports a wide range of physical and electrical tolerances, simplifying the recognition process and reducing the need for precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
A beverage production machine equipped with two resonant tank circuits and electronic detection circuits using electromagnetic induction and metal detection to recognize packages
Implementation Method 2
the coils being positioned in the beverage production machine such that they generate eddy currents within the conductive material adjacent to the edge sections
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a beverage production machine having an apparatus for recognizing a package. The apparatus comprises two resonant tank circuits, each comprising a coil and a capacitor; two electronic circuits for detecting changes in coil impedance; a means for generating a signal which is indicative of the changes; and means for controlling the beverage production machine according to the signal. The machine also comprises a holder for supporting the package. The package for use in the machine comprises a base unit having a compartment which contains tea material, and a rim with a projecting lip; conductive material associated with the package having two edge sections situated on opposite sides of the compartment; and a lid attached to the base unit around the rim, the central portion of the lid comprising at least one perforated line. The invention also provides a method of recognizing the package.