Hot Drink Container Detection Without Permanent Standby Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fully automatic coffee machines with permanent power connections can issue erroneous messages for emptying and cleaning the drip tray even after these tasks have been completed, violating energy efficiency regulations when the machine is switched off, and lack the ability to monitor container actuation without a permanent power supply.
Innovation Solution
A two-segment detection device comprising a test segment with a closing element and an electrically supplied control coil, and a triggering segment, uses a spring and magnetic forces to monitor the presence and actuation of supply and disposal containers, ensuring accurate detection of their removal and reinsertion without a permanent power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent power connection is used to enable stand-by monitoring functions, then monitoring reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and violates energy efficiency regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing monitoring only during specific operational states (when the device is switched on and containers are being used). The control unit activates the monitoring function selectively based on the operational state, rather than maintaining continuous monitoring. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable monitoring when needed while avoiding energy waste during non-operational periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If stand-by monitoring is disabled to save energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to monitor container actuation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect container presence and actuation events, then feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback to determine whether monitoring is necessary and activates the monitoring function accordingly. This allows the system to maintain energy efficiency while restoring the ability to monitor container actuation when conditions warrant it.
3Use of energy by moving object
If monitoring is performed without a permanent power supply, then energy efficiency is improved, but erroneous messages may be issued to users
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by checking container presence and status before initiating monitoring operations. The control unit verifies that containers are properly installed and positioned before activating the monitoring function, ensuring that accurate information is available for monitoring decisions. This prevents erroneous messages by confirming the operational state before monitoring begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces continuous mechanical/electrical monitoring with an event-driven approach using sensors that detect specific actuation events. Instead of maintaining a power-consuming monitoring system continuously, sensors detect container removal or insertion events and trigger appropriate responses only when needed. This substitution maintains monitoring accuracy while improving energy efficiency.
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
Prevents erroneous user notifications and ensures accurate monitoring of container status, adhering to energy efficiency regulations by confirming the presence and correct actuation of containers, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically supplied control coil
Implementation Method 2
The closing element is biased into its open position with a spring device, which can be designed as a separate tension, compression or torsion spring or by the material elasticity of the closing element itself
Implementation Method 3
A triggering segment, which acts on the closing element, is arranged on the supply and/or disposal container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hot beverage preparation device with a housing and with at least one supply and/or disposal container (4) is controlled by a device (1) for checking operation of the supply and/or disposal container (4) in the hot beverage preparation device with a test segment ( 2) further developed, which comprises a closing element (8) and a control line (6) with a control coil (7) and opens the closing element when the supply and/or disposal container (4) is removed, and with a release segment (3) on the supply and /or disposal container (4), in which case the closing element can only be closed together by the control coil (7), to which current is applied, on the one hand, and by the triggering segment (3) on the other.