Intelligent hot beverage maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart coffee machines are limited to brewing a single type of beverage and can only be operated by a single user at a time, lacking versatility and multi-user functionality.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent hot beverage maker with a carousel-shaped magazine for storing multiple pods, an actuator system, and identification means using visual indicators and readers, allowing remote selection and operation by multiple users, enabling the brewing of various beverages and accommodating multiple users simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-type beverage machine is used, then the device structure is simple, but the beverage variety is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage machine is designed with a magazine that can accommodate multiple types of beverage pods (coffee, tea, cocoa, etc.) and an identification system that recognizes different pod types through visual indicators. This allows a single machine to perform multiple beverage preparation functions without requiring separate specialized machines for each beverage type.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage selection and preparation process is segmented into distinct components: the magazine stores multiple pod types, the identification means (camera and processor) separately identifies pod types through visual indicators, and the brewing system prepares the selected beverage. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse beverage types through modular functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-user machine is used, then the operation control is simple, but the multi-user functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The machine automatically identifies the inserted pod type through its visual indicator using the camera and image processor, and autonomously selects and executes the appropriate brewing parameters. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual configuration for each user, allowing multiple users to operate the machine simply by inserting their preferred pod type.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual pod selection is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the beverage preparation accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual pod selection process is replaced with an automated optical identification system. A camera captures the visual indicator on the pod, an image processor analyzes the visual data to identify the pod type, and the system automatically selects the appropriate brewing parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual selection with an automated vision system ensures accurate beverage preparation while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage types are supported, then the beverage variety increases, but the pod management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a camera that continuously monitors the magazine and detects the visual indicators on pods. The image processor provides feedback about which pod types are available in the magazine, enabling the system to automatically manage pod selection and notify users when specific pod types are low or depleted, thereby simplifying the management of multiple beverage types.
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 the brewing of multiple types of beverages and allows simultaneous operation by multiple users, enhancing user convenience and versatility through intelligent software control and pod management.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, for forcing a pod through the slot selectively
Implementation Method 2
a reader for reading and interpreting the visual indicator
Implementation Method 3
operation of the actuator to compel the selected pod to pass through the slot further results in the corresponding pod in the superjacent magazine falls under gravity to replace the selected pod
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent hot beverage maker is provided including: a beverage machine; a series of mutually stacked magazines, for the storage of multiple beverage pods, the magazine being dimensioned and configured to fasten releasably to the beverage machine; a slot, through which a pod passes from the magazine into the beverage machine; an actuator, for forcing a pod through the slot selectively; selection means, for selecting between beverages on a given menu; and identification means, for identifying which pod in the magazine is appropriate for a given beverage selection; and intelligent software for controlling the operation of the maker, wherein selection means may be manipulated remotely, and by multiple users simultaneously.