Sensor-Connected Coffee Brewer for Simple Remote Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewers require complex network setups and technical expertise for remote control and data exchange, making them difficult to install and operate, especially when using appliances with heat and mechanical actuators.
Innovation Solution
A coffee brewing apparatus with integrated sensors, a processor, and an external network interface that allows direct communication with remote resources for data exchange and control, eliminating the need for a multi-appliance local network by using a modem for connectivity and enabling end-user interaction through an intuitive interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-appliance local area network is used for remote control and data exchange, then networking capability is provided, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network communication functionality from the complex multi-appliance local area network setup and integrates it directly into the coffee brewing apparatus through a built-in modem. This allows the coffee brewer to independently communicate with remote resources without requiring a separate network infrastructure or multiple appliances to form a local network.
Solution Approach 2:
The coffee brewing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both coffee brewing capabilities and network communication capabilities within a single device. The built-in modem enables the apparatus to perform both its primary brewing function and secondary communication function, eliminating the need for separate appliances to provide networking capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-appliance local area network is used for remote control and data exchange, then remote control capability is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee brewing apparatus with built-in modem serves itself by independently establishing and maintaining network connections with remote resources. The device autonomously handles communication protocols and data exchange without requiring the user to configure network settings or understand technical networking concepts, making the system self-sufficient in terms of network operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The built-in modem acts as an intermediary between the coffee brewing apparatus and remote resources, handling all network communication protocols and technical details. This intermediary component shields the end user from complex networking requirements by translating high-level user requests into appropriate network communications automatically.
3Loss of information
If a multi-appliance local area network is used, then data exchange capability is provided, but the number of required appliances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data exchange capability with the coffee brewing function by integrating a modem directly into the coffee brewing apparatus. This combination allows the single device to both brew coffee and exchange data with remote resources, eliminating the need for separate appliances dedicated to networking or data communication functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.