Hot Beverage Machine Inclination Control for Hands-Free Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transportable machines for preparing hot beverages are complex and laborious to use, requiring users to hold the machine and a recipient while activating a switch, and lack adjustable dispensing quantities.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a casing housing a water pump and heating means, an electronic control card, and an inclination sensor that allows beverage dispensing by inclining the machine, enabling adjustable quantities and eliminating the need for additional command devices like switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a switch is used to activate the machine, then the machine can be controlled, but the user must simultaneously hold the machine and recipient while operating the switch, making the operation complex and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The machine automatically detects its inclination angle through the inclination sensor and autonomously activates or stops beverage dispensing based on whether the predetermined angle is reached, eliminating the need for manual switch operation by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical switch operation is replaced by an electronic inclination detection system that automatically controls the pump and heating means based on the machine's angular position
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is used for beverage dispensing, then the machine can be activated, but the user cannot regulate the quantity of beverage dispensed according to personal taste
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage dispensing system transitions from a fixed on/off control to a dynamic control where the dispensing duration is determined by the time the machine maintains the required inclination angle, allowing flexible adjustment of beverage quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the inclination angle parameter over time and adjusts the dispensing duration accordingly, enabling the user to obtain different beverage quantities by maintaining the inclination for different periods
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 simplifies the use of the machine by allowing users to control dispensing through inclination, allowing adjustable beverage quantities and independent heating, making the machine easier and more convenient to use.
Implementation Method 1
the control card is connected to at least an inclination sensor (52) able to measure an inclination of the casing (15) of the machine with respect to a vertical
Implementation Method 2
pressurized water to flow through heating means of the water, for example constituted by a tube enveloped by electrical resistances
Implementation Method 3
an electrically powered motor which actuates a pump that causes the pressurized water to flow
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for preparing hot beverages includes: a casing housing a water pump, heating means of the water, and an electronic control card able to command actuation of the pump and the water heating means; a body, connected to the casing, able to house a capsule containing a preparation for the beverage; in which the control card is connected to at least an inclination sensor able to measure an inclination of the casing of the machine with respect to a vertical, and is able to: receive from the inclination sensor a signal representing a measured inclination value of the casing; comparing the measured value with a predetermined value; actuating the pump when the measured value is greater than the predetermined value; stopping the pump when the measured value is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value.