Ultrasonic Beverage Tank Level Sensing for Accurate Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines lack accurate measurement systems for liquid level and volume, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in beverage preparation, with existing sensors being prone to inaccuracies, fragility, and complicating cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an ultrasonic transceiver in the dispenser or tank to measure liquid level and volume by emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, with a control unit determining distance changes over time to calculate liquid volume, and an alerting signal unit for threshold notifications, ensuring precise measurement and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If floaters are used to measure liquid level, then the liquid level can be indicated, but the measurement is inaccurate and the device is sensitive to blockage and damage making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from components that contact the liquid (floaters, electrodes) and placed in the dispenser housing. The ultrasonic transceiver measures liquid level without contacting the liquid, eliminating cleaning requirements while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical floater-based measurement system is replaced with an ultrasonic transceiver that uses acoustic waves to measure liquid level. This substitution eliminates mechanical components that require cleaning while providing more accurate and reliable measurements.
2Measurement precision
If capacitive or pressure sensors are placed into the liquid to measure liquid level, then the liquid level can be determined, but the beverage machine becomes much more difficult to clean and the reliability of measurement devices is negatively influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from liquid-contacting sensors and relocated to the dispenser housing. The ultrasonic transceiver remains outside the liquid path, eliminating contamination risks and cleaning difficulties while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If rotating vanes are placed directly into the liquid to measure flow rate, then the volume of flowing liquid can be determined, but the device is very fragile, easy to damage, and can be blocked by solid parts
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical rotating vane flow meter is replaced with an ultrasonic transceiver that measures liquid level changes over time to calculate flow rate. This non-contact method eliminates fragile moving parts that can be damaged or blocked by solids in the liquid.
4Ease of manufacture
If labels or markings on the tank are used to indicate liquid level, then the liquid level can be indicated, but only a rough estimate is provided and the indication is very susceptible to movement of the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
Visual labels and markings are replaced with an ultrasonic transceiver that provides electronic measurement of liquid level. This substitution transforms rough visual estimates into precise digital measurements while maintaining ease of implementation.
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 system provides precise measurement of liquid level and volume, preventing flow disruptions and ensuring accurate beverage preparation while being easy to clean and maintain, with improved reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transceiver is disposed in the dispenser and/or tank, the ultrasonic transceiver being designed to emit and receive ultrasonic waves in the liquid, in order to determine the distance from the transceiver to the liquid level
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic transceiver being designed to emit and receive ultrasonic waves in the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a beverage machine (1) comprising a tank (2), which holds a liquid for preparing a beverage, and a dispenser (7), to which the tank is connectable, wherein the tank (2) comprises a valve (8); the dispenser comprises an opening (9) for receiving the valve in connection of the tank on the dispenser; at least one ultrasonic transceiver (3) is disposed in the dispenser (7) or tank (2), the ultrasonic transceiver being designed to emit and receive ultrasonic waves (4a, 4b) in the liquid, in order to determine the distance (d) from the transceiver to the liquid level (5), wherein it further comprises a control unit (6), which is connected to the ultrasonic transceiver (3) which is adapted to determine the distance (d) changing with time and as a result the volume (V) of the liquid flowing out of the tank.