Device for preparing a hot beverage and use of such
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot drink preparation devices face issues with inconsistent water flow and temperature control due to changing pressure conditions, leading to uneven exposure times and quality fluctuations in the brewing process, particularly when using ground coffee capsules.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device with a PI control function for the pump to regulate water flow rate based on electrical power consumption, combined with a PD control for the heating device, and using an oscillating armature pump and thermoblock heater, along with a microprocessor for centralized control, to ensure even water flow and temperature stability. Additionally, incorporating a mains voltage detector to compensate for voltage fluctuations and maintain consistent temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a thermal block heater is used for heating water, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature control stability deteriorates due to changing pressure conditions and pump flow variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the water temperature in the thermal block heater and sends signals to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the pump flow rate and heating power in real-time based on the temperature feedback, maintaining stable temperature control despite pressure variations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing high heating efficiency while compensating for flow-induced temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on real-time conditions. The control unit varies the pump flow rate and heating power according to the detected temperature and pressure conditions, rather than operating at fixed settings. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal temperature stability across varying operational states while preserving the high heating efficiency of the thermal block design.
2Productivity
If pump flow rate is increased to reduce brewing time, then productivity is improved, but water flow uniformity deteriorates leading to inconsistent exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
A flow sensor provides continuous feedback on the actual water flow rate through the brewing unit to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured flow rate with the target flow rate and dynamically adjusts the pump output to maintain uniform flow. This feedback control enables high brewing speeds while ensuring consistent water flow uniformity and exposure times for optimal beverage quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pump flow rate parameter dynamically during the brewing process based on detected conditions. The control unit adjusts the flow rate in real-time to maintain optimal uniformity throughout the brewing cycle, rather than using a constant high flow rate. This parameter adaptation allows fast brewing while preserving flow consistency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If controllable valves are added to correct flow behavior, then temperature control stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve control systems with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump's flow rate is directly controlled by the control unit based on temperature and flow sensor feedback, eliminating the need for separate controllable valves. This substitution maintains temperature control stability while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and the number of moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors temperature, measures flow rate, controls pump speed, and adjusts heating power. By consolidating these control functions into a single electronic control unit that directly manages the pump and heater, the system achieves temperature stability without requiring additional specialized valves or control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If exposure time is extended to improve beverage quality, then beverage quality is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to longer brewing times
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the exposure time parameter by dynamically adjusting the pump flow rate to achieve the ideal contact time between water and coffee grounds. By precisely controlling the flow rate rather than using fixed slow brewing, the system achieves high-quality extraction in shorter times, improving both beverage quality consistency and brewing throughput simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing process operates dynamically with real-time adjustments to flow rate and exposure time based on sensor feedback. The control unit optimizes each brewing cycle's parameters to achieve consistent high-quality results while minimizing cycle time. This dynamic optimization allows extended effective exposure for quality without proportionally increasing total brewing time, thereby maintaining productivity.
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 configuration results in a reliable, cost-effective hot drink preparation device that produces high-quality beverages by optimizing water flow and temperature control, ensuring homogeneity and consistency, even under varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the water is electrically heated during transport by a radiator, which is driven by a pump
Implementation Method 2
the water is electrically heated during transport by a radiator
Implementation Method 3
the temperature of the heating device is detected using a temperature-variable electrical resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Device for preparing a hot drink with an electrically operated heating device (14) provided in a housing for water supplied from a fresh water connection of the housing or a water tank (12) provided in the housing by means of electrically operated pump means (10) and a brewing unit (16) arranged downstream of the heating device in which heated water can be brought together with a beverage raw material and discharged from the housing via outlet means (18), the heating device having first control means (29, 32, 36) for controlling a water contact area and/or a water temperature of the heated water to at least one water temperature setpoint (30) are associated, and between the water tank and the heating device, in particular between the water tank and the pump means, means (25) for measuring and / or detecting a water flow are provided, characterized in that the pump means second rules mi Means (27) are associated for controlling the water flow to a flow setpoint (29), which act in response to a detection output signal of the measuring or detection means