Liquid container, beverage production system and method for detecting one or a plurality of liquid filling levels of a container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production systems lack a reliable and aesthetically pleasing method for detecting liquid filling levels in containers, such as cups or mugs, and cannot set multiple filling levels for preparing different recipes, relying on bulky mechanical sensors and flowmeters that are costly and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A container equipped with a thin film capacitive sensor that detects liquid levels and allows setting multiple filling levels through a touch screen interface, integrated with a wireless connection for communication with beverage production machines, eliminating the need for external sensors and flowmeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical liquid level measurement means (liquid level floats) are used, then liquid filling level detection is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical liquid level floats with a capacitive sensor that uses electrical fields to detect liquid levels. The capacitive sensor comprises a sensor element with a first electrode and a second electrode, where the liquid acts as a dielectric between the electrodes. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while maintaining accurate liquid level detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor is implemented as a thin film structure that can be integrated into the container wall. The sensor element consists of thin film electrodes deposited on opposite sides of the container wall, creating a compact design that does not protrude into the container interior and minimizes space requirements.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical flowmeters are used to detect liquid flow rate, then flow rate detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid level detection function and flow rate detection function into a single capacitive sensor system. By measuring the capacitive signal at multiple liquid levels during the filling process, the system can calculate flow rate without requiring a separate flowmeter. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining both measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor serves multiple functions: it detects liquid filling levels, determines flow rates through temporal changes in level, and can identify different liquid types based on dielectric properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors for each measurement task.
3Measurement precision
If liquid level floats with visual means are used, then liquid filling level is visible, but the device is prone to catching due to simple mechanical layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical liquid level floats that are prone to catching on guidance structures with a capacitive sensing system. The capacitive sensor has no moving parts and detects liquid levels through electrical field interactions with the liquid dielectric, eliminating mechanical friction and catching issues entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor system is self-regulating and does not require mechanical guidance structures. The sensor automatically adapts to different liquid levels and flow conditions without mechanical intervention, and the system can self-calibrate by comparing capacitive signals at known reference levels.
4Measurement precision
If machine integrated flowmeters are used, then liquid amount delivery is monitored, but multiple liquid filling levels cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor is divided into multiple sensing zones along the container height, each capable of independent capacitive measurement. By segmenting the sensor into multiple electrode pairs or zones, the system can detect and distinguish multiple liquid filling levels simultaneously, enabling versatile beverage preparation options.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor system provides universal detection capability for multiple liquid types and multiple filling levels. The sensor can identify different liquids based on their dielectric properties and detect various filling levels by measuring capacitance at different heights, making it adaptable to different beverage recipes and container sizes.
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 precise liquid level detection and control, simplifies beverage production by integrating sensors into the container, allowing for various recipes and reducing machine complexity, while maintaining an aesthetic design and eliminating the need for bulky mechanical sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film capacitive sensor (100) comprising a level sensor for detecting the liquid filling level of the container over time
Implementation Method 2
a thin film capacitive sensor (100) comprising a level sensor for detecting the liquid filling level of the container over time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (2) for receiving a liquid comprising a thin film capacitive sensor (100) comprising a level sensor for detecting the liquid filling level of the container (2) over time, wherein the sensor (100) further comprises a settable device allowing setting one or more desired liquid filling levels of the container (2), of the same or of different liquids. Preferably, the settable device is configured as a touch screen, arranged in the external layer of the sensor (100). The invention further relates to a beverage production system (S) comprising a beverage production machine (1) having a beverage production unit (10) for preparing and dispensing a beverage and a control unit (50) for controlling a beverage production of the beverage production unit (10), and a container (2) as the one described. Yet further, the invention relates to a method for setting one or a plurality of liquid filling levels of a container (2).