Consumable recognition system, set of consumables and beverage dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensers lack a simple and foolproof method to recognize and differentiate between various types of consumables, such as capsules and pods, which limits their ability to automatically optimize brewing parameters for different beverages.
Innovation Solution
A consumable recognition system that uses optical stimuli to detect the reflection or transmission properties of consumables, generating a sensor signal that distinguishes between different types based on light intensity, color, or polarization, allowing the beverage dispenser to adjust parameters like temperature, water quantity, and infusion time accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual settings are used for brewing parameters, then the appliance can be operated without automatic recognition systems, but the user convenience and beverage optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable automatically provides recognition information through its physical characteristics (shape, size, reflective elements) without requiring the user to manually input data or select settings. The system serves itself by using the consumable's inherent properties as the identification code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical or electronic recognition systems with a simple optical sensor that detects basic light reflection properties. This substitutes sophisticated mechanical/optical systems with a simpler photodetector-based solution.
2Productivity
If fixed brewing parameters are used for all beverages, then the device structure remains simple, but the beverage optimization and quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing parameters are pre-configured in the controller for different consumable types. When a consumable is inserted, the system automatically retrieves and applies the corresponding pre-set parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes brewing parameters (temperature, water quantity, infusion time) based on the detected consumable type. The controller selects from multiple pre-defined parameter sets corresponding to different consumable characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If no consumable recognition system is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish and optimize for different consumable types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the consumable (rim, flange, reflective elements at specific positions) provide localized optical characteristics that encode type information. The system reads these local properties to distinguish between consumable types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical reflection properties (analogous to color detection) where different consumable types reflect light differently. The photodetector measures these optical variations to identify consumable type, similar to how color-coded systems work.
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 automatic recognition and adjustment of brewing parameters for various consumables, enhancing user convenience and ensuring optimal beverage preparation by distinguishing between different types of food substances within consumables.
Implementation Method 1
A consumable recognition system that uses optical stimuli to detect the reflection or transmission properties of consumables, generating a sensor signal that distinguishes between different types based on light intensity, color, or polarization
Implementation Method 2
A consumable recognition system that uses optical stimuli to detect the reflection or transmission properties of consumables
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a consumable recognition system for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable containing a food substance for the preparation of a beverage by use of a beverage dispenser. To enable the recognition of placement and/or type of consumable in a simple, foolproof and easily implementable way an embodiment of the system comprises a light source (31, 301, 311, 321, 331, 341) for emitting light (35) to the consumable (4a, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), a light sensor (32 302, 312, 322, 332, 342) for sensing light (36) reflected from a reflection element (42, 52, 63, 73, 83, 93) of the consumable to obtain a sensor signal, wherein the sensor signal depends on the position, orientation, fluorescence, phosphorescence and/or polarization characteristic of said reflection element, and a signal processor (33) for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable based on said sensor signal.