Milk Carafe Optical Detection for Complete Single-Dose Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with milk emulsification and heating systems face issues such as incomplete milk dispensing, annoying steam jets, contamination of sensors, and limited dual-cup dispensing capabilities due to the carafe's positioning and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a detection system using infrared sensors to ensure complete milk dispensing, prevent steam jets, and allow for hygienic carafe positioning, enabling single-dose milk handling and simultaneous coffee and milk dispensing in separate cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large carafe is used to contain milk for multiple drinks, then the milk supply is sufficient for multiple cappuccinos, but the machine cannot provide complete single-dose dispensing and must interrupt dispensing based on timed cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements detection means (optical sensors) that continuously monitor the milk level in the carafe and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine when the carafe is completely empty and automatically interrupt the dispensing cycle, enabling complete single-dose dispensing regardless of the carafe size used.
2Device complexity
If the boiler and pump switch off at the same time at the end of the timed cycle, then the dispensing cycle is simplified, but residual steam creates annoying and dangerous jets or puffs
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is programmed to switch off the boiler in advance before the pump stops operating. This preliminary action allows the steam generation to cease before the milk dispensing is completely finished, preventing residual steam from escaping as dangerous jets while the pump is still running. The pump continues to operate until the carafe is truly empty, as detected by the optical sensors.
3Area of stationary object
If the carafe is positioned on the support surface near the cup, then the machine structure is compact, but the carafe and support surface are easily dirtied by spills and stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the carafe in a vertical dimension above the support surface, supported by the lid structure rather than resting on the horizontal support surface. This dimensional change separates the carafe from the contamination-prone area where cups are placed, maintaining a compact machine footprint while preventing contact with spills and stains.
4Device complexity
If sensors are placed on the support surface to detect carafe presence, then the detection system is simple, but the sensors are contaminated by dirt and residues over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the lid structure as an intermediary carrier for the optical detection means. Instead of placing sensors directly on the support surface where they would be contaminated, the sensors are mounted on the lid which remains above the support surface. This intermediary positioning protects the sensors from dirt and residues while maintaining their ability to detect carafe presence and milk levels through optical means.
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
Ensures complete and efficient milk dispensing, prevents steam puffs, maintains sensor cleanliness, and allows for simultaneous dispensing into two cups, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
detection means (12) placed on said machine (1) in proximity to the bottom (13) of the carafe (6) to detect the presence of milk (14) in the carafe (6)
Implementation Method 2
means for conveying steam, generated inside the coffee machine, to a Venturi tube present in the lid
Implementation Method 3
conveying the steam, generated inside the coffee machine, to a Venturi tube (9) present in the lid (7) so as to emulsify and/or heat the milk (5) inside the lid (7)
Implementation Method 4
conveying the steam, generated inside the coffee machine, to a Venturi tube present in the lid so as to emulsify and/or heat the milk inside the lid
Data Source
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AI summary
The coffee machine (1) with a system for emulsifying and heating milk comprises a body (2) having a coffee dispenser (3) and a device (4) for emulsifying and/or heating milk having a carafe (6) for containing the milk and a lid (7) for closing the carafe (6), means (8) for conveying the steam generated inside the coffee machine, to a Venturi tube (9) present in the lid (7) so as to emulsify and/or heat the milk inside said lid, the device (4) being provided with detection means (12) for detecting the presence of milk in the carafe (6) so as to interrupt the dispensing of milk when said carafe (6) is completely empty.