Work/Description
Abstract/
Create a reliable, accurate, easy to clean electronic sensor and digital sight display for the 1 or 1.5 gallon Bunn ThermoFresh coffee server. The gauge must reveal the amount of coffee remaining in the server and the time since it was last filled.
Challenge/
The digital display must be battery operated and able to run continuously for two years. The salt content of water being used for coffee will vary from user to user and may effect conductivity. The new electronic sensors must read accurately regardless of the quality and conductivity of the water being used.
Solution/
Sensors resting behind an impermeable, plastic cylindrical housing send signals to the gauge located on the server’s lid. The gauge will not register until sensors on either side of the cylinder are activated eliminating a false reading from increased conductivity of salty water or other factors. Circuit boards inside the lid send information to an easily read LCD display. The display indicates the coffee level on the digital gauge and the freshness of the coffee in 15 minute intervals. The display will indicate when the batteries are low.
Results/
The Bunn ThermoFresh Server Digital Sight Gauge accurately detects coffee levels and freshness using 4 AAA batteries. The gauge eliminates the need to open the vacuum insulated server and release heat from the unit, making it possible for the coffee to stay hot for hours.
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