Liquid sensing arrangement for beverage machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage machines face challenges in detecting the disconnection of a liquid supply tank and determining if the liquid level is below a threshold without requiring additional sensors, which can complicate the refill process and affect beverage formation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor is positioned outside the liquid supply tank, either in a conduit or supply line, to detect the presence or absence of liquid, allowing for the detection of tank disconnection and low fill levels, enabling the beverage machine to control operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a level sensor is positioned inside the liquid supply tank to directly measure liquid level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors needed for disconnection detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions a single sensor outside the liquid supply tank in a conduit or supply line where it can perform multiple functions: detecting liquid level (by monitoring presence/absence of liquid at a specific height), detecting tank disconnection (by detecting absence of liquid when tank should be connected), and monitoring beverage cycle status. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each detection purpose, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the conduit or supply line as an intermediary medium between the liquid supply tank and the sensor. The sensor does not directly contact the liquid in the tank but instead detects liquid presence in the conduit, which serves as a mediator that transmits liquid level information to the sensor. This intermediary approach allows external positioning of the sensor while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If additional sensors are added to detect tank disconnection and liquid level separately, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single sensor system that universally handles multiple detection tasks: liquid level detection, tank disconnection detection, and beverage cycle monitoring. By strategically positioning the sensor in the conduit at a specific height, the system achieves reliable detection of all conditions through one sensor, eliminating the need for multiple sensors while maintaining or improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors into a single sensor system. Instead of having separate sensors for liquid level detection and tank disconnection detection, the invention combines these functions into one sensor positioned in the conduit, which can detect both conditions through its liquid presence/absence measurements at the configured height.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid supply tank is made easily removable for refill, then ease of operation is improved, but detection of disconnection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the conduit or supply line as an intermediary that maintains a liquid presence signal even when the tank is removed. The sensor monitors liquid presence in the conduit rather than directly in the tank, allowing the system to detect when the tank has been disconnected (no liquid in conduit) while still permitting easy tank removal and refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical disconnection detection mechanisms (such as physical switches or contacts that would require complex wiring connections) with a sensor-based liquid presence detection system. This substitution allows for simpler tank connection/disconnection mechanics while maintaining reliable detection capability through liquid presence monitoring in the conduit.
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 allows for seamless detection of liquid levels and tank connectivity, preventing beverage machine malfunctions and simplifying the refill process by using a single sensor to monitor both disconnection and low liquid levels, ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor such as a conductive probe or optical sensor positioned within the conduit
Implementation Method 2
a sensor such as a conductive probe or optical sensor positioned within the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for employing a sensor to detect disconnection of a liquid supply tank and/or a low fill level of the liquid supply tank are disclosed herein. The sensor may have an optical sensor to detect liquid, e.g., to detect a liquid level in a removable liquid supply tank and/or liquid at a pump. The optical sensor can include a body made of a resilient material and including first and second portions and an opening located between the first and second portions. The opening can be configured to receive and frictionally engage with a conduit for carrying liquid, with the first portion configured to support a light emitter and the second portion configured to support a light detector.