Beverage preparation machine and method for the control of a thermal conditioning device of such a beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoblocks in beverage preparation machines face challenges in accurately controlling temperature and optimizing heating energy, leading to lengthy preheating periods and sub-optimal beverage quality due to thermal inertia and variable environmental and power supply conditions.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a thermal conditioning device featuring a controller and self-learning mode that adjusts the start-up profile parameters based on temperature ramp values, ensuring precise control of the start-up phase to reach the operative temperature, minimizing temperature overshoots and undershoots, and optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a thermoblock with high thermal capacity is used to accumulate heat energy, then the thermal energy available for heating liquid is improved, but the start-up time and heating duration are increased due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating power adjustable and variable over time. The controller dynamically modifies the power supplied to the heating element based on real-time temperature measurements and predefined heating profiles, allowing the system to optimize between rapid heating and energy efficiency rather than operating at constant power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of heating power from a constant value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on temperature feedback. The controller modifies power delivery during different phases of heating (ramp-up, stabilization, maintenance) to resolve the contradiction between achieving target temperature quickly and avoiding excessive thermal inertia.
2Speed
If the heating power is increased to reduce start-up time, then the heating speed is improved, but temperature overshoots and energy waste are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the thermoblock temperature with a temperature sensor and using this information to adjust the heating power. The controller receives temperature feedback and modifies power delivery accordingly, preventing temperature overshoots and reducing energy waste while maintaining fast heating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through staged heating profiles where the controller applies different power levels at different time intervals. Instead of continuous high power, the system uses periodic adjustments of power delivery based on temperature milestones, achieving fast heating without excessive energy consumption or temperature overshoots.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the thermoblock mass is increased to improve heat accumulation, then the thermal capacity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from fixed thermoblock mass to variable heating power and time. Instead of increasing mass to improve heat accumulation, the system achieves the same effect through intelligent power management and extended heating profiles, avoiding the complexity and cost of manufacturing larger thermoblocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical approach of increasing thermoblock mass with a control-based approach. Rather than physically enlarging the thermal mass, the system uses electronic control and software algorithms to manage heating, replacing mechanical complexity with electronic intelligence.
4Adaptability or versatility
If environmental conditions and power supply variations are accommodated, then the adaptability is improved, but the control system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to adapt to environmental conditions and power supply variations. The temperature sensor continuously monitors the thermoblock state, and the controller adjusts heating power in response to deviations from expected heating curves, automatically compensating for environmental factors without requiring complex predictive models or multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting its heating profile based on real-time temperature feedback. The controller independently manages adaptations to environmental conditions and power variations without user intervention or complex external control systems, achieving adaptability through self-regulating feedback mechanisms.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient heating of liquids to the target temperature, ensuring optimal beverage preparation conditions from the first use after start-up, regardless of environmental and power supply variations, by self-calibrating and adjusting energy delivery based on real-time temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heating elements, for instance discrete or integrated resistors, that convert electrical energy into heating energy
Implementation Method 2
high thermal conductivity for the transfer of the required amount of accumulated heat to the liquid circulating therethrough
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a thermal conditioning device (71), such as a heater or cooler, said thermal conditioning device (71) comprising a control unit (4) for controlling a start-up phase of the thermal conditioning device (71) from a temperature of inactivity to an operative temperature, the control unit (4) comprising: a controller with a start-up profile for starting-up the thermal conditioning device (71), wherein the start-up profile has at least one parameter and the controller has a self-learning mode for adjusting the at least one parameter; and a temperature sensor connected to the controller for measuring a temperature of the thermal conditioning device (71); wherein the self-learning mode causes the controller during a start-up phase to: calculate a ramp value representative of a rate of change in temperature during the start-up phase of the thermal conditioning device; adjust the at least one parameter as a function of the adjusted ramp value; use the adjusted at least one parameter for a remainder of the start-up phase. A method for operating and calibrating the thermal conditioning device of such a beverage preparation machine.