Motorized Beverage Preparation Actuation with Dynamic Power Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices actuated by electric motors lack efficient energy usage and torque adjustment, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and potential overheating, with inadequate monitoring and regulation of movement parameters.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation apparatus with an electric motor that regulates power supply based on movement path and velocity, using control means to limit power consumption and detect anomalies, ensuring efficient energy use and sufficient torque while minimizing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the electric motor is used to actuate the beverage preparation device between open and closed positions, then the device can be automated and operated conveniently, but the energy consumption increases and the motor may overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor power supply variable rather than constant. The control means dynamically adjusts the power supplied to the motor based on real-time monitoring of movement parameters (position, velocity, acceleration), ensuring the motor receives adequate power during critical phases of actuation while reducing power during less demanding phases, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through monitoring means that continuously track the movement parameters of the beverage preparation device and feed this information back to the control means. This closed-loop system enables the control means to adjust motor power supply in response to actual movement conditions, optimizing energy usage while maintaining effective actuation and preventing motor overheating
2Power
If the motor operates with high power to ensure sufficient torque for actuation, then the actuation is reliable and swift, but the energy consumption increases and overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor power dynamic by adjusting it according to the actual torque requirements at different moments during actuation. The control means monitors movement parameters and varies the power supply to match the instantaneous torque needs, providing high power only when necessary for effective actuation while reducing power during low-demand phases, thus resolving the contradiction between sufficient torque and energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter of the motor based on monitored movement conditions. The control means adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current) supplied to the motor according to the actual actuation phase and load requirements, optimizing the balance between torque delivery and energy consumption, and preventing both energy waste and overheating
3Device complexity
If the motor is positioned longitudinally along the movement direction, then the transmission structure is simplified, but the device occupies more space and the transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by changing the orientation dimension of the motor. Instead of positioning the motor longitudinally along the movement direction (which would occupy more space), the motor is positioned orthogonally to the movement direction. This dimensional change allows for a more compact arrangement that reduces the volume occupied by the actuation disposition while maintaining transmission effectiveness
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 apparatus achieves reduced energy consumption, efficient torque delivery, and enhanced monitoring to prevent overheating and jam detection, optimizing energy efficiency and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation disposition adapted so as to can open and close said beverage preparation device... The electric motor can be a direct current and low voltage motor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and process for preparing beverages, in particular espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, based upon a beverage preparation apparatus that has a beverage preparation device adapted to be actuated between open and closed positions by an actuation disposition that includes an electric motor and thereby collect an individual portion of beverage ingredients. A control mechanism is adapted for regulating the operation of several components of the apparatus, to limit the electric power supplied to the electric motor according to at least one previously defined rule along at least most part of the movement path carried out between the open and closed positions.