Beverage producing machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage producing machines with hydraulic mechanisms for controlling the brewing chamber face limitations in selectable pressure, which affects the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage, as the extraction pressure is determined by the closure pressure and lacks flexibility in brewing pressure settings.
Innovation Solution
A beverage producing machine with a hydraulic circuit that allows independent control of brewing pressure from closure pressure, utilizing a first valve arrangement to isolate the hydraulic actuator during closure and a second valve arrangement to deliver pressurized water through the brewing chamber, enabling adjustable brewing pressure settings and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic actuator is used to control brewing chamber closure, then reliable sealing is achieved, but the brewing pressure is fixed by the closure pressure and cannot be independently adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into two independent circuits: a first hydraulic circuit that controls the brewing chamber closure through the hydraulic actuator, and a second hydraulic circuit that independently controls the brewing pressure through a separate pressure-regulating valve. This segmentation allows the closure pressure and brewing pressure to be independently adjusted, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and pressure adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure-regulating valve as an intermediary component in the water delivery path between the pump and the brewing chamber. This valve acts as a mediator that decouples the brewing pressure from the closure pressure, allowing independent control of brewing pressure while maintaining the sealing function of the hydraulic actuator.
2Device complexity
If the same hydraulic circuit is used for both closure and brewing water delivery, then system simplicity is maintained, but pressure control flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single hydraulic circuit into two separate circuits: the first hydraulic circuit dedicated to closure control and the second hydraulic circuit dedicated to brewing pressure control. Although this increases component count, it provides the necessary pressure control flexibility that a single circuit cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single pump to serve multiple functions: it delivers water for both the hydraulic actuator (closure) and the brewing chamber (extraction). By combining multiple functions in one pump while separating the control circuits, the system achieves pressure control flexibility without excessive complexity.
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 allows for safe, reliable, and flexible brewing pressure control, enabling adjustable brewing pressure that can be set lower than the closure pressure, enhancing the machine's flexibility and user options while maintaining safe closure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic actuator, for controlling closing and opening movements of the brewing chamber. A water pump is fluidly connected to the brewing chamber through a first water path and further fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator through a second water path
Implementation Method 2
A water heater is arranged along the first water path, for heating brewing water delivered to the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 3
A water pump is fluidly connected to the brewing chamber through a first water path and further fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator through a second water path for delivering pressurized water selectively to the brewing chamber and to the hydraulic actuator, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
The beverage producing machine comprises a brewing chamber and at least one hydraulic actuator for controlling closing and opening movement of the chamber. A water pump, fluidly connected to the chamber through a first water path and fluidly connected to the actuator through a second water path delivers pressurized water to the chamber and actuator, respectively. A water heater and a first valve arrangement are arranged along the first water path. A second valve arrangement is positioned along the second water path, between the water pump and the actuator. The first and second valve arrangements are configured and controlled such that during a brewing chamber closure step the first valve arrangement is closed, and the second valve arrangement is open. Upon reaching a closure pressure in the actuator, the second valve arrangement is closed and the first valve arrangement is opened, allowing water to be delivered to the chamber.