Steam Pipe Positioning by Weight-Based Milk Level Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for frothing milk struggle to consistently produce high-quality foam due to difficulties in accurately determining the liquid level, often affected by air bubbles or contaminants on the surface, leading to inconsistent results and cleaning challenges with complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a weighing mechanism to determine the liquid level by measuring the mass of the milk, independent of the surface state, combined with a movable steam pipe and temperature sensor for precise control, ensuring reliable foam production and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a temperature probe is incorporated in the steam pipe to control steam supply, then the temperature control is improved, but the device becomes more difficult to clean due to the protruding probe
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature probe is extracted from the steam pipe interior and positioned externally, allowing it to measure temperature without complicating the internal steam pipe structure. This enables easy cleaning of the steam pipe while maintaining temperature control functionality through the externally positioned probe that can sense temperature through the pipe wall or via a minimal penetration design.
2Measurement precision
If a float is provided on the steam pipe to ensure constant distance from liquid level, then the liquid level control is improved, but the construction becomes complicated and cleaning is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical float system is replaced with a sensor-based liquid level detection system. The sensor (optical, capacitive, or ultrasonic) can detect liquid level through non-contact or minimal-contact means, eliminating the need for mechanical floats and springs. This reduces construction complexity and removes cleaning obstacles while maintaining precise liquid level measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If air bubbles or contaminants are present on the liquid surface, then the liquid level measurement is affected, but the measurement must remain accurate for proper appliance function
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary measurement approach is used where the liquid level is determined indirectly through mass measurement rather than direct surface contact. The weighing device measures the total mass of the container and liquid, and the control unit calculates liquid level from this mass data. This intermediary method bypasses surface contamination issues entirely, as mass measurement is not affected by air bubbles or surface contaminants.
4Ease of operation
If a movable steam pipe with active movement element is provided, then the steam pipe positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam pipe positioning system uses feedback from liquid level and temperature sensors to automatically adjust its position and steam supply. The control unit processes sensor data and autonomously controls the steam pipe movement and steam flow, eliminating the need for complex manual movement mechanisms. The system serves itself by using sensor feedback to maintain optimal positioning and operation.
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
The device consistently produces high-quality milk foam with smaller air bubbles, improving usability for operators of varying expertise and simplifying cleaning by eliminating complex constructions.
Implementation Method 1
determining the liquid level from a weight of the liquid in the container
Implementation Method 2
treating liquids by blowing through the liquid with steam
Implementation Method 3
heating and/or frothing up of food liquids, in particular milk, by means of steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device (10), comprising a platform (14) for placing a vessel (9) containing the liquid, a pipe (15) with an open end (151) configured for supplying steam to the vessel, a driving device (17) configured to actuate a relative movement between the end of the pipe and the platform, means (140) for determining a liquid level of the liquid in the vessel, and a control unit (18). The control unit is configured to actuate the driving device (17) so that a relative initial position between the end of the pipe and the platform is assumed on the basis of the liquid level. The means (140) for determining the liquid level comprise a weighing device. The control unit is then configured to determine the liquid level from the weight.