Beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face challenges with varying fluid flow rates and viscosities, acidity, and the risk of blockages and contamination, which existing valves and cleaning methods fail to address effectively, impacting hygiene and machine lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a flexible tube and a deforming device that selectively controls liquid flow without redirecting control elements, reducing blockages and improving hygiene, and a gas evacuation system to enhance beverage quality and machine safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If commonly used valves (ball valves, piston valves, gate valves) are used to control liquid flow, then flow control is achieved, but the valves are unsuitable due to varying viscosities, acidities, and blockage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible tube instead of rigid valve components to control liquid flow. The flexible tube can be deformed by a deforming device to open or close the liquid passage, adapting to varying viscosities and flow conditions without the mechanical constraints of traditional valves. This flexible membrane approach eliminates the reliability issues associated with ball valves, piston valves, and gate valves when handling viscous or acidic beverages.
2Ease of operation
If control elements are placed in the liquid path to control flow, then flow control is achieved, but the fluid path may be blocked by protruding parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the liquid path by using a flexible tube that is deformed by a deforming device positioned outside the main fluid flow. The flexible tube itself acts as the control element that responds to external deformation forces to open or close the passage, eliminating protruding control parts that could block the fluid path. This separates the control function from the flow path, preventing blockages.
3Device complexity
If residues remain in the machine after beverage preparation, then machine structure is simple, but bacterial growth and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous liquid flow through the flexible tube during beverage preparation, which prevents residue accumulation by maintaining constant fluid movement. The flexible tube design allows for complete flushing of the passage, ensuring no stagnant zones where bacteria could grow. This continuous action approach maintains hygiene without requiring complex additional cleaning mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sophisticated cleaning methods are implemented to prevent contamination, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the flexible tube to be self-cleaning through the continuous flow of liquid during normal beverage preparation operations. The design allows the liquid flow itself to flush and clean the tube interior, eliminating the need for separate sophisticated cleaning systems. This self-service approach maintains hygiene through the inherent operation of the beverage preparation process rather than requiring additional complex cleaning 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 provides precise control over fluid flow, reduces maintenance needs, and ensures hygiene by preventing blockages and contamination, while simplifying the design and improving the quality of prepared beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a deforming device that is configured to selectively deform the flexible tube so as to restrict or prevent a liquid flow from the cavity to the dispensing outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (100), which comprises a beverage production device (200) having a cavity (222) for receiving a beverage component to prepare a beverage upon interaction with a liquid, a liquid delivery device (300) for delivering a liquid into the cavity (222) via a liquid inlet (320), and a liquid discharge device (400) for discharging the delivered liquid out of the cavity (222) via a discharge outlet (420) and to a dispensing outlet (470). The liquid discharge device (400) comprises a flexible tube (450) provided between the discharge outlet (420) and the dispensing outlet (470). The beverage preparation machine (100) further comprises a deforming device (500) configured to selectively deform the flexible tube (450) so as to restrict or prevent a liquid flow from the cavity (222) to the dispensing outlet (470). Further, the invention relates to a method for delivering a liquid through a beverage preparation machine (100).