Automatic hot beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic hot beverage preparation machines face issues with water temperature dropping below the threshold during inactivity, leading to suboptimal hot beverage dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a recirculation mechanism where hot water from the boiler is recirculated back to the tank when the temperature falls below a threshold, using solenoid valves controlled by an electronic unit to maintain the water supply manifold and dispensing valves at an optimal temperature, ensuring proper heating during and after inactivity periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the machine remains inactive for a period, then energy consumption is reduced, but the water temperature in the second branch drops below the threshold temperature needed for appropriate hot beverage dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the water in the second branch before the temperature drops below the threshold. The electronic control unit detects when the temperature approaches the threshold and activates the water boiler to preheat the water, preventing the temperature from falling below the required level for hot beverage dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous heating action in the second branch by periodically circulating hot water from the first branch through the second branch. This continuous thermal action ensures that the water temperature remains above the threshold even during periods when the machine is inactive or between beverage dispensing operations.
2Temperature
If hot water is continuously circulated to maintain temperature in the second branch, then water temperature is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous circulation, the system employs periodic action by monitoring the water temperature in the second branch and activating the heating mechanism only when the temperature approaches the threshold. The electronic control unit periodically checks the temperature and initiates heating only when necessary, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate temperature levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control by equipping the second branch with a temperature sensor that continuously monitors water temperature. This feedback information is processed by the electronic control unit, which adjusts the heating operation accordingly - activating heating when temperature drops near the threshold and deactivating it when the temperature is sufficient, thereby optimizing energy consumption.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a recirculation system is added to maintain temperature, then water temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system serves multiple functions: it maintains water temperature in the second branch, preheats water before dispensing, and reduces temperature fluctuations during inactive periods. By making the recirculation mechanism multi-functional, the added complexity is justified by the multiple benefits it provides to the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary electronic control unit that coordinates between the first and second branches. This intermediary component manages the recirculation process by controlling valves and pumps, enabling temperature stabilization without requiring direct complex mechanical coupling between branches, thereby managing complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
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 solution maintains the water supply manifold and dispensing solenoid valves at an optimal temperature, ensuring consistent and appropriate hot beverage dispensing by preventing water flow to the dispensing assembly until the desired temperature is reached, thus addressing the issue of temperature drop during machine inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
a water boiler to heat water
Implementation Method 2
hot water from the boiler is recirculated back to the tank when the temperature falls below a threshold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An automatic hot beverage preparation machine comprising a hydraulic water supply circuit (7) having a first branch (8) to connect a water source (2) and a water boiler (3), a second branch (9) to connect the water boiler (3) and a hot beverage dispensing assembly (4), a third branch (28) to connect the first branch (8) and the second branch (9), and a valve device (29) to selectively control supply of water in the third branch (28) as a function of a signal from a water temperature sensor (26) arranged to measure water temperature at an outlet of the water boiler (3).