Beverage preparation machine with an optimized beverage discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage extraction machines, such as coffee machines, face challenges in achieving a smooth discharge flow due to air pockets, which affect the quality and visual appearance of beverages like espresso coffee, and prior solutions are not sufficiently simple or reliable in optimizing this process.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a beverage discharge disposition with two flow sections separated by a throttling section, which includes exhaust openings and a configuration that deflects the flow direction to release gas pockets, ensuring a streamlined flow and efficient discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air exhaust opening is provided inside the machine body, then air pockets can be removed, but the efficacy is constrained and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the air pocket removal function from the internal machine body structure and relocates it to the external discharge spout. By providing exhaust openings at the discharge disposition rather than inside the machine body, the system removes air pockets more effectively while maintaining structural simplicity. The exhaust openings are positioned to allow air to escape as beverage flows through the discharge spout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial dimension of air removal from internal (within machine body) to external (at discharge spout). By positioning exhaust openings at the discharge disposition and configuring them to open toward the exterior, the system utilizes the discharge flow direction to facilitate air pocket removal, thereby improving efficacy without increasing internal structural complexity.
2Reliability
If complex flow sections are used to streamline beverage flow, then discharge quality improves, but constructive simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge disposition is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upstream flow accumulation zone for collecting beverage and air, a throttling section for controlling flow, and a downstream flow section for streamlined discharge. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall constructive simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes flow parameters by configuring the discharge spout with specific geometric parameters: a first flow accumulation zone with sufficient volume, a throttling section with controlled opening area, and a downstream section with smooth transitions. These parameter optimizations streamline the beverage flow and improve discharge quality without requiring complex structural elements.
3Ease of operation
If throttling section with small opening is used, then flow control is improved, but flow accumulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge disposition separates the flow accumulation function from the flow control function into distinct sections. The upstream flow accumulation zone provides sufficient volume to collect beverage and air pockets, while the throttling section with its controlled opening provides precise flow control. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both functions to operate optimally in their respective zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream flow accumulation zone performs preliminary action by collecting beverage and air pockets before they reach the throttling section. This preliminary accumulation ensures that the throttling section receives a stable flow that can be precisely controlled, while the accumulation zone itself is designed with sufficient volume to maintain beverage quantity.
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 enhanced beverage discharge flow conditions with improved simplicity and reliability, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing beverage delivery by effectively removing air pockets and streamlining the flow.
Implementation Method 1
a beverage discharge disposition (5) that provides flow connection between said extraction device (3) and said beverage discharge (4)
Implementation Method 2
separated by a flow throttling section (53) and that each of said flow sections (51, 52) presents at least one exhaust opening (54) adapted so as to provide an air exit
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for preparing aromatic beverages by extraction, such as espresso coffee and similar beverages. The machine comprises at least one optimized beverage discharge disposition, in particular presenting a first and second flow sections separated by a throttling section that configures a double deflection of the prevailing flow direction, so that it provides a streamlining of the discharge flow.