Multisensorplate, beverage preparation machine, beverage preparation machine system, and method for determining weight and position of a beverage preparation machine material container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack accurate determination of container weight and position, leading to inefficient ingredient management, unpredictable operation, and potential quality issues due to inadequate monitoring of ingredient freshness and storage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor plate with at least two weight sensors arranged parallel to the measuring surface, connected to a control unit that provides weight values and determines the position and changes in position of containers, integrated into an automatic beverage preparation machine system to optimize ingredient consumption and machine autonomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single weight sensor is used to detect container weight, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of container position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensing function is segmented into multiple sensors arranged at different positions on the multi-sensor plate. Instead of using a single weight sensor, the patent employs at least two weight sensors spaced apart to detect both weight and position information simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional weight detection to two-dimensional detection by arranging weight sensors in spaced-apart positions across the plate surface. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous determination of both weight magnitude and spatial position, achieving higher measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged to detect container position and weight, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-sensor plate is designed as a universal platform that simultaneously performs multiple functions: weight detection, position determination, and temporal monitoring. The same sensor arrangement that detects weight also provides position information, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges weight detection and position detection functions into a single integrated multi-sensor plate system. By combining these functions in one device with sensors arranged in spaced-apart positions, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring capabilities without the complexity of multiple separate detection systems
3Reliability
If ad hoc servicing and cleaning are performed, then the machine availability is reduced, but the ingredient quality monitoring is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-sensor plate provides continuous feedback on container weight and position, enabling real-time monitoring of ingredient consumption and storage conditions. This feedback mechanism allows for predictive maintenance scheduling based on actual usage patterns and quality parameters, rather than ad hoc servicing, thereby maintaining high ingredient quality assurance while improving machine availability
Solution Approach 2:
By continuously monitoring container weight and position data, the system enables preliminary detection of quality degradation trends and consumption patterns. This allows maintenance and cleaning to be scheduled in advance based on predicted quality thresholds, preventing quality issues before they occur and reducing unplanned downtime
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 precise monitoring of container weights and positions, improving the predictability and efficiency of operations, ensuring high-quality beverages by tracking ingredient freshness and storage conditions, and reducing unnecessary service and cleaning intervals.
Implementation Method 1
at least two weight sensors which are arranged in the intermediate space and are each suitable for generating a signal from a weight force acting on the measuring surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A multisensor plate, a beverage dispensing machine, a beverage dispensing machine system, and a method for determining the weight and position of a container for material in a beverage dispensing machine are provided. The multisensor plate has at least two weight sensors arranged parallel to a measuring surface of the upper part of the multisensor plate at two spaced-apart positions. This allows the multisensor plate to determine both the weight and the position of the container on said measuring surface, as well as changes in the weight and position of the container along the measuring surface over time.