A coffee machine for brewing turkish coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines using single-use capsules struggle to transfer coffee with its foam to a cup effectively, often requiring complex geometric structures that complicate the transfer process and hinder cleaning, while also failing to include the foam due to the design of the valve mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine equipped with a valve having a simple geometry, comprising a piston, stem, and plug that opens and closes via an actuator, allowing direct transfer of coffee from the brewing chamber to the cup, with a spring for default closure, a silicon plug for sealing, and additional features like a pendant and flow regulator to ensure foam inclusion and prevent splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex geometric valve structure is used to control coffee flow, then the coffee can be transferred through the valve, but the foam remains on the valve and cannot be transferred to the cup
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a pouring port for liquid coffee discharge, and a foam port specifically for foam transfer. This segmentation allows liquid and foam to be handled separately, enabling foam to be transferred without being trapped by the liquid control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated foam port acts as an intermediary pathway between the brewing chamber and the cup. This intermediate structure allows foam to bypass the main valve mechanism that controls liquid flow, solving the problem of foam being trapped on complex valve surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a valve with complex geometric structure is used, then coffee flow can be controlled, but the valve becomes difficult to clean and foam drying adversely affects liquid transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into modular components including a removable filter holder with outlet orifice, a separate plug mechanism, and distinct pouring and foam ports. This segmentation allows each component to be easily accessed and cleaned independently, eliminating the difficulty of cleaning complex geometric structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug and filter holder can be extracted from the brewing chamber for separate cleaning. The outlet orifice is designed as a discrete component that can be removed and cleaned independently, preventing foam accumulation and drying issues in hard-to-reach areas.
3Extent of automation
If the brewing chamber is rotated to transfer coffee automatically, then coffee can be transferred to the cup, but an extra movement mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The complex rotation mechanism is replaced by extracting the coffee transfer function into a simple valve system. The valve with its plug mechanism provides automated control through simple linear motion rather than requiring the brewing chamber to rotate, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanical system is substituted with a linear valve actuation system. Instead of rotating the entire brewing chamber, a simple plug moves linearly within the valve to control coffee flow, replacing complex rotational mechanics with simpler linear motion.
4Quantity of substance
If a simple geometric valve is used for direct coffee transfer, then foam can be transferred to the cup, but the valve must be kept in closed position during brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system segments the brewing and pouring functions into distinct operational phases controlled by a simple plug mechanism. The plug remains in place during brewing (closed position) and is simply lifted or moved to open the pouring port for foam and coffee transfer, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling foam transfer.
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
Enables the efficient transfer of coffee with its foam to the cup without splashing, while facilitating cleaning by positioning valve components outside the brewing chamber and providing a cost-effective solution with the use of silicon for sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The spring, by taking force from the support, in other words, by bearing upon the support, pushes the piston downward and enables the plug to close the pouring port.
Implementation Method 2
Thanks to the resiliency of the silicon, the pouring port is tightly sealed and the coffee is prevented from dripping from the pouring port when the valve is in the closed position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coffee machine (1 ) comprising a body (2), a brewing chamber (3) that is disposed within the body (2) and wherein the coffee is mixed with water and brewed, and a pouring port (4) disposed at the base of the brewing chamber (3).