Laser-Based Container Detection for Beverage Maker Filling Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern beverage makers, such as fully automatic coffee machines, face challenges in accurately recognizing and adapting to various parameters of containers, including position, dimensions, and filling status, which can lead to operational errors if not properly aligned.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotatable laser module that emits and detects laser radiation to determine container parameters like size, shape, and filling level, allowing for precise positioning and adjustment of the beverage outlet relative to the container, thereby enhancing the filling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser module is used to detect container parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser module is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect various container parameters (position, dimensions, shape, filling level) using the same basic component, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical laser-based detection system, which provides higher measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity through non-contact sensing
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser module is made rotatable to generate two-dimensional beam profile, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser module is designed with rotatability to dynamically adjust its beam direction and generate two-dimensional profiles, enabling adaptation to various container shapes and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
By adding rotational capability to the laser module, the system transitions from one-dimensional to two-dimensional beam profiling, significantly enhancing container recognition capability across different geometries without proportionally increasing complexity
3Reliability
If multiple parameters are detected to avoid operating errors, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the detected container parameters (position, dimensions, shape, filling level) as feedback to automatically adjust filling parameters, ensuring reliable operation by continuously monitoring and adapting to actual container conditions with high measurement precision
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 enables precise detection and evaluation of container parameters, preventing operational errors, ensuring accurate filling, and improving user safety by preventing overfilling or underfilling and avoiding unwanted liquid splashes.
Implementation Method 1
laser radiation is generated by the laser module and emitted via a laser outlet. The laser module with the laser outlet is aimed at the container, so that the emitted laser radiation hits the container and is at least partially reflected by it. The distance to the container can be determined by detecting the reflected laser radiation using a laser radiation detector in the laser module.
Implementation Method 2
The optical path length and thus the distance between the laser source, ie the laser module, and the container reflecting the laser radiation can be determined by wavelength modulation in the emitted laser radiation and superimposition of emitted and reflected laser radiation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage maker (1), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine. The beverage maker (1) has a beverage outlet (3) for dispensing the beverage (12) prepared by the beverage maker (1) into a container (7). Furthermore, a container holder (8) is provided for receiving the container (7) at least during the filling process with the beverage (12) from the beverage outlet (3). The beverage maker (1) comprises a laser module (5) by means of which at least one parameter relating to the container (7) arranged in the container receptacle (8) can be determined.