Low-Voltage Beverage Machine Power Switching Across Energy Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for preparing aromatic beverages like espresso require frequent recharging or component changes when operating autonomously, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for duplicated energy-consuming components and limited capacity to prepare multiple beverages without external power.
Innovation Solution
A machine designed to operate using only low-voltage direct current (24-36 V) with an energy management system that seamlessly switches between internal and external energy sources, including a voltage transformation device for adapting to different external voltages, allowing for efficient and flexible energy use without component duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the machine uses high voltage components for fluid compression and heating, then the power and performance are improved, but the weight and cost increase due to component duplication for different voltage modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single set of fluid compression and heating components that can operate across both low voltage (autonomous) and high voltage (grid-connected) modes. The energy management system enables these components to receive power from either source, eliminating the need for duplicate voltage-specific components and reducing overall machine weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine operates autonomously with internal energy sources, then portability and flexibility are improved, but the duration of action is limited by battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible energy supply system that can dynamically switch between autonomous operation with internal energy sources and grid-connected operation. The energy management system monitors energy levels and operational mode, dynamically adjusting power distribution to extend operational duration while maintaining portability and flexibility.
3Power
If the machine is designed for high voltage grid operation, then the power availability is improved, but the adaptability to different voltage standards decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the machine with a dual-mode energy architecture that accepts both high voltage grid power and low voltage internal energy sources. The energy management system provides universal compatibility with different voltage standards, allowing the machine to operate autonomously or connected to various power grids without requiring component changes.
4Reliability
If the machine duplicates energy-consuming components for different voltage modes, then the reliability across voltage modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage adaptation function from the physical components, placing it instead in the energy management system through voltage transformation and control logic. This allows a single set of energy-consuming components to serve both voltage modes, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational reliability across different power sources.
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 continuous beverage preparation with high energy efficiency, reduced weight and cost, and the ability to prepare multiple beverages without external power, minimizing charging time and eliminating the need for component changes across different voltage grids.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage transformation device for transforming, at least temporarily, a high voltage supplied by an external energy source into a low voltage
Implementation Method 2
heating device for heating the beverage
Implementation Method 3
compression device for compressing the beverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention discloses a machine (1) for preparing beverages such as for example coffee of the espresso type, that presents a plurality of electrical energy consumers (2), at least one internal energy source (3), means for connecting to at least one external energy source (4) and an energy management device (5) that supervises its operation at low voltage, both when it is operating connected to said external energy source (4) and when that is not the case. The present invention further discloses a process for operation of a machine (1) for preparing beverages provided with means for operating at low voltage when supplied with electrical energy from said internal and/ or from said external energy source (3, 4).