Frozen Drink Maker Temperature Control with Motor Load Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen drink makers lack adaptability and user-specific control over temperature and texture of drink products, leading to inconsistent outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A drink maker system with a temperature sensor, cooling circuit, and controller that adjusts temperature based on preset recipes and user inputs, while monitoring motor conditions to prevent damage and ensure desired textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automatic temperature control based on preset recipes is implemented, then temperature consistency is improved, but adaptability to user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the preset temperature by adding a manually adjustable temperature offset. The controller receives both the preset temperature from memory and a manual temperature adjustment from the user interface, then controls the cooling circuit based on the sum of these values. This allows the system to maintain automatic control for consistency while adapting to individual user preferences.
2Manufacturing precision
If cooling intensity is increased to achieve desired texture, then temperature control precision is improved, but motor load increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors motor current or power during operation and compares it to a predetermined threshold. When the motor load exceeds the threshold, the controller automatically increases the temperature setpoint to reduce cooling intensity, thereby reducing motor load and preventing damage. This feedback mechanism ensures both temperature control precision and motor reliability.
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 precise temperature and texture control tailored to user preferences, preventing motor damage and ensuring consistent drink quality.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling circuit and/or device arranged to cool the drink product within the mixing vessel
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature associated with the drink product and output a temperature signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A drink maker including a mixing vessel and a dasher, driven by a drive motor, arranged to mix the drink product. A cooling circuit is arranged to cool the drink product within the mixing vessel. A temperature sensor is arranged to detect a temperature of the drink product and output a temperature signal. A motor condition sensor is arranged to detect a motor condition associated with the drive motor and output a motor condition signal. A memory is arranged to store a first temperature value corresponding to a first target temperature and store a motor condition limit. A controller is arranged to: i) receive the temperature signal, ii) receive the motor condition signal, and ii) control the temperature associated with the drink product by controlling the cooling circuit based at least on the received temperature signal, the received motor condition signal, the first temperature value, and the motor condition limit.