Sliding Bitmap Selector for Beverage Machine Parameter Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines have complex and expensive selectors for fine-tuning preparation parameters, such as volume, which increase the retail price and complexity of the machines.

Innovation Solution

A simplified selector mechanism using a sliding element with independent switch actuators and a contact panel that interprets the simultaneous state of switches as a bitmap code to set preparation parameters, allowing for manual selection of parameters like fluid volume, featuring metallic domes and a locking element for discrete positions, reducing electronic complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex selectors are used for fine-tuning preparation parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection precisionVSAvoidselector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selector is segmented into a sliding element with multiple independent switch actuators that can be individually positioned. Each actuator corresponds to a specific parameter value, allowing precise selection through binary combinations of actuated switches rather than requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional single-dimension rotary or sliding selectors to a multi-dimensional binary coding system. Multiple switches are arranged in parallel rows, and the sliding element can actuate different combinations of switches across these rows, creating a binary code that represents the selected parameter value. This dimensional expansion enables precise parameter selection with simpler mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If complex selectors are used for fine-tuning preparation parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter selection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The selector is segmented into a sliding element with multiple independent switch actuators that can be individually positioned. Each actuator corresponds to a specific parameter value, allowing precise selection through binary combinations of actuated switches rather than requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical selection mechanisms with a simplified sliding element that actuates electrical switches. The parameter selection is achieved through electrical binary coding rather than mechanical positioning, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If traditional selectors are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselector usabilityVSAvoidparameter selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from traditional single-dimension rotary or sliding selectors to a multi-dimensional binary coding system. Multiple switches are arranged in parallel rows, and the sliding element can actuate different combinations of switches across these rows, creating a binary code that represents the selected parameter value. This dimensional expansion enables precise parameter selection with simpler mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the selection mechanism and the actuator for multiple switches simultaneously. By positioning the sliding element at different locations, different binary codes can be generated, enabling selection of various parameter values with a single unified mechanism rather than requiring separate controls for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10368690B2Simplified control panel for a food preparation machine

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

A machine (1) for preparing food or beverage products is provided. Said machine (1) is adapted for injecting a fluid under pressure in an ingredient capsule inserted therein. Said machine (1) comprises a fluid reservoir (3), a fluid system, a fluid heating element, and a controller for managing at least one preparation parameter, and further comprises a selector for allowing a user to manually select at least one food or beverage preparation parameter. Said selector comprises a sliding element (10,16) comprising at least two independent switch actuators (23,24), and a contact panel (11) comprising at least two selector switches (21) linked to the machine controller, such that each of said selector switches (21) is actuated or unactuated by the presence or the absence of the corresponding switch actuator (23,24) for each given position of said sliding element (10,16), and such that the simultaneous state of actuation of said switches (21) is interpreted by said controller as a bitmap code for setting at least one corresponding preparation parameter.