Hot Beverage Machine Inlet Positioning to Reduce Cold Water Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot drink brewing devices, such as coffee machines, often dispense cold water initially due to energy release in the supply line, leading to suboptimal brewing, especially when making small amounts, as the heated water cools down before reaching the extraction material.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable inlet that first dispenses water into a chamber above the filter holder to preheat the supply line, then positions over the extraction material to dispense hot water, ensuring consistent temperature and minimizing initial cold water release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water is conveyed through a heating device and pump to an inlet for brewing, then hot water can be dispensed onto extraction material, but the heated water cools down significantly in the inlet line before reaching the extraction material
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet line is preheated by circulating hot water through it before the actual brewing process. A preheating phase is implemented where hot water is pumped through the inlet line to warm up the line, preventing subsequent cooling of the brewing water. This preliminary action eliminates the temperature drop that would otherwise occur when cold water from the tank passes through the inlet line during brewing.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor is introduced as an intermediary element to monitor the water temperature in the inlet line. The sensor provides feedback to the control device, which then adjusts the heating device or pump operation to maintain the required temperature. This intermediary measurement system enables precise control of the water temperature throughout the inlet line.
2Productivity
If the full amount of heated water is dispensed via the inlet, then the brewing process can be completed, but initially cold water behind the heating device is dispensed first
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preheating action before the actual brewing process. The pump first circulates water through the heating device and inlet line to heat up the entire water path. Only after the inlet line reaches the required temperature does the system proceed to the brewing phase, ensuring that all water dispensed during brewing is at the correct temperature from the very beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating and pumping operations continue without interruption during the preheating phase, maintaining continuous useful action. The heating device keeps heating water while the pump continuously circulates it through the inlet line, ensuring that the entire system reaches operating temperature efficiently before brewing begins, without stopping or wasting time.
3Temperature
If a switching device is arranged in front of the inlet to switch water flow, then water can be fed into the inlet from a certain temperature, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor is positioned in the inlet line to continuously monitor water temperature. This sensor provides feedback to the control device, which automatically adjusts the heating element or pump operation to maintain the desired temperature. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual switching devices, as the system self-regulates based on real-time temperature measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service temperature control through the integrated temperature sensor and control device. The sensor automatically detects the water temperature, and the control device independently decides when to activate or adjust the heating element, without requiring external switching mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-regulating approach simplifies the overall device structure compared to mechanical switching solutions.
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
This method ensures that only heated water is dispensed onto the extraction material, improving brewing efficiency and hygiene by preheating the supply line and eliminating dead water, particularly beneficial for small quantities.
Implementation Method 1
water can be conveyed from a water tank via a heating device and a pump to an inlet
Implementation Method 2
water can be conveyed from a water tank via a heating device and a pump to an inlet
Implementation Method 3
The subsequent amount of water heated in the heating device is initially cooled down significantly because it releases energy to the still cold pipe in the inlet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for preparing a hot beverage, comprising a device for producing and conveying hot water; a holding device (4) into which a filter holder (10) can be releasably inserted; a feed (7) for the hot water, said feed having an outlet (9) arranged above the filter holder (10) in order to dispense hot water onto the filter holder (10) from above into a receiving area (13) which is open towards the top and comprises an extraction material; and a drive device in order to move the feed (7) for the hot water relative to the filter holder (10), wherein the filter holder (10) has a chamber (21) for water, said chamber being fillable via an opening (19, 19'), and the feed (7) can be moved relative to the filter holder (10) between a position substantially vertically above the opening (19) and another position substantially vertically above the receiving area (13) comprising the extraction material. The invention additionally relates to a method for preparing a hot beverage.