Liquid supply tank sensing arrangement for beverage machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 control of beverage formation processes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor is positioned outside the liquid supply tank, either in a conduit fluidly coupled to the tank or in the liquid supply line, to detect both the disconnection of the tank and low liquid levels, allowing for precise monitoring of liquid availability and preventing beverage formation when levels are insufficient.
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 required for tank disconnection detection
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor positioned in the liquid supply line performs multiple functions: it detects liquid level in the tank, detects tank disconnection, and controls beverage cycle initiation. By making the sensor multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensors for tank presence detection and liquid level measurement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the liquid supply line as an intermediary medium to transmit liquid level information from the tank to the sensor. The sensor detects liquid presence in the supply line, which indirectly indicates both the liquid level in the tank and the connected state of the tank, simplifying the sensing arrangement while preserving accurate measurement capability.
2Reliability
If a dedicated proximity sensor or mechanical switch is added to detect tank disconnection, then reliability of tank presence detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor in the liquid supply line serves dual purposes: monitoring liquid level and detecting tank disconnection. When the tank is disconnected, the sensor detects the absence of liquid in the supply line, providing reliable disconnection detection without requiring a separate dedicated sensor, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of liquid level detection and tank disconnection detection into a single sensor system. By combining these functions, the patent achieves reliable tank presence detection without adding extra sensors, thereby maintaining simplicity in the device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the liquid supply tank is made removable for ease of refill, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of liquid level detection deteriorates due to potential disconnection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply line acts as an intermediary that maintains a continuous liquid pathway between the removable tank and the beverage preparation system. The sensor monitors this intermediary line to detect both liquid level and tank connection status, ensuring reliable detection even when the tank is removable and subject to user handling during refilling operations.
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 enables the beverage machine to accurately detect tank disconnection and low liquid levels, ensuring proper operation by preventing incomplete beverage formation and providing user notifications for refills, thus enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive probe positioned within the conduit and at a level in the conduit to detect presence and absence of liquid at the level in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for employing a sensor to detect disconnection of a liquid supply tank and a low fill level of the liquid supply tank are disclosed herein. The sensor may have a conductive probe to contact liquid, e.g., to detect a liquid level in a removable liquid supply tank.