Milk Storage Infrared Sensing for Stable Coffee Froth Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face challenges in precisely regulating milk temperature due to indirect and hygienically compromised temperature measurement methods, leading to fluctuations in milk froth quality and quantity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-contact infrared temperature detection device that allows for precise and hygienic measurement of milk temperature, enabling a control system to maintain a constant temperature for improved milk froth production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an NTC sensor is placed directly in the milk storage container for temperature measurement, then the temperature measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes contaminated and requires frequent cleaning, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (infrared radiation) between the sensor and the milk. The infrared sensor measures the temperature of the container wall or milk surface remotely, allowing temperature detection without direct contact with the milk, thus preventing contamination while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based NTC sensor with a non-contact infrared sensing system. This substitution eliminates the physical contact between sensor and milk, preventing contamination and corrosion issues while maintaining accurate temperature measurement capability
2Device complexity
If a thermomechanical capillary tube controller is used for temperature regulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates due to large hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical capillary tube controller with an electronic infrared temperature sensing and control system. This substitution enables precise non-contact temperature measurement and allows for more accurate electronic control of the cooling device, eliminating the large hysteresis inherent in mechanical thermostats
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the infrared sensor continuously monitors the milk temperature and the control device adjusts the cooling device accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise temperature regulation by constantly comparing actual temperature with target temperature and making real-time adjustments
3Measurement precision
If the infrared sensor is positioned to directly contact the milk for measurement, then the temperature measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes soiled and requires cleaning, increasing maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the container wall or milk surface as an intermediary, allowing the infrared sensor to measure temperature remotely through radiation. This eliminates the need for direct contact between sensor and milk, preventing soiling and simplifying maintenance while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared sensor detects thermal radiation (infrared energy) emitted by the milk or container, creating an optical copy of the temperature information without physical contact. This allows accurate temperature measurement while keeping the sensor clean and easy to maintain
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
The solution ensures consistent and high-quality milk froth production by accurately measuring and regulating milk temperature, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining a clean sensor environment.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detection device (5) with at least one infrared sensor (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for storing milk (2), particularly for further use in a coffee machine (3) comprising a container (4) accommodating the milk (2). It is essential to the invention that a temperature sensing device (5) comprising at least one infrared sensor (6, 6', 6") is provided for sensing the temperature of the milk.