A hot beverage preparation machine comprising an optical detection mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot beverage preparation machines face challenges in maintaining optimal brew time to prevent bitterness or undesirable flavors, as existing technologies lack precise control over brewing duration and chamber conditions, leading to inconsistent taste quality.
Innovation Solution
A hot beverage preparation machine equipped with an optical detection mechanism featuring a light source and receiver above the brewing chamber, which measures light intensity to detect surface roughness and control the brewing process, ensuring the brewing is completed correctly and preventing continuation when the cover is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the brewing time is extended to improve extraction, then the beverage quality improves, but the beverage becomes bitter and the taste quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using an optical detection mechanism to continuously monitor the brewing process. The transmitter emits light through the beverage material and the receiver detects the transmitted light intensity, which changes as extraction progresses. When the light intensity reaches a predetermined threshold indicating optimal extraction, the system automatically terminates brewing, preventing over-extraction and bitter taste while ensuring consistent beverage quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical timing systems with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on preset timers or manual monitoring, the invention uses optical sensors to detect the brewing state in real-time. This substitution enables precise, automated control of brewing duration based on actual extraction conditions, eliminating the trade-off between extraction quality and bitter taste.
2Ease of operation
If manual monitoring of brewing time is used to control quality, then flexibility is maintained, but the brewing process consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring and controlling the brewing process through the optical detection mechanism. The transmitter and receiver continuously measure light transmission, and the control unit automatically terminates brewing when optimal conditions are reached, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring consistent results.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback system replaces manual monitoring by continuously measuring optical parameters and comparing them against predetermined thresholds. This feedback loop ensures that every brewing cycle is terminated at the optimal point, maintaining consistent beverage quality across multiple preparations without requiring user expertise or attention.
3Illumination intensity
If the optical detection mechanism uses visible light, then the user can see the brewing process, but the measurement precision of the receiver decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the visible light dimension to the infrared dimension for optical detection. By using infrared light, the system achieves superior measurement precision because infrared wavelengths are less affected by the optical properties of the beverage material and surrounding environment. The infrared transmitter and receiver can accurately detect brewing state changes without the interference that plagues visible light systems, while the control unit manages the invisible operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the infrared optical detection mechanism and the user. It receives precise measurements from the infrared receiver, processes the data to determine brewing status, and provides appropriate user feedback through displays or indicators. This intermediary role allows the system to use high-precision infrared detection while still maintaining user awareness and control of the brewing process.
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
This solution enhances taste quality by precisely controlling the brewing process, preventing the beverage from being served before it's ready and maintaining optimal flavor, thereby increasing consumer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver (7) that measures the light intensity (LI) that is reflected from the surface of the hot beverage inside the brewing chamber (4)
Implementation Method 2
The beverage material enters into reaction with the water inside the brewing chamber (4) during the brewing process and absorbs the water
Implementation Method 3
The beverage material that increases in weight by absorbing water moves towards the base of the brewing chamber (4) and settles down by the effect of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a water container (2) wherein water is filled, a heater (3) that enables the water inside the water container (2) to be heated, a brewing chamber (4) wherein the raw material of the beverage to be prepared is placed and whereto the water heated in the water container (2) is transferred, and wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water, a pot (5) with the upper surface thereof being at least partially open, that is disposed under the brewing chamber (4) and whereto the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber (4) is transferred, and a cover (9) that is disposed over the brewing chamber (4) and that provides access into the brewing chamber (4).