Brewing Chamber Sealing Element Design for Movable Tray Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face challenges in maintaining efficient and reliable movement of a movable tray that seals and interacts with brewing chambers, particularly under water pressure and varying friction conditions, affecting the accuracy and reliability of beverage production.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element comprising a first gasket with a planar surface on the tray, a second deformable gasket like an O-ring, and a support made of a rigid material ensures a sealed contact between the tray and the brewing chamber, combined with a control system to adjust the tray's rotational speed and movement based on friction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a movable tray is used to open and close brewing chambers, then automation and productivity are improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to movement and friction variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a deformable gasket whose physical state changes under water pressure. The gasket transitions from a less deformed state during tray movement to a more deformed state when water pressure is applied, automatically enhancing the seal without additional mechanical components. This dynamic parameter change ensures reliable sealing despite tray movement and friction variations.
2Device complexity
If a simple gasket is used for sealing, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates under water pressure and tray movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single deformable gasket that changes its deformation parameter in response to water pressure. During tray movement, the gasket remains relatively undeformed allowing smooth motion. When water pressure is applied during brewing, the gasket deforms to create a reliable seal. This parameter-based solution avoids complex multi-component sealing systems while ensuring reliability under varying conditions.
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 configuration provides a reliable and repeatable movement of the tray, ensuring accurate sealing and operation, enhancing the efficiency and automation of the beverage production process.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element has a complex structure taking advantage of a significant degree of deformation to accommodate the movements of the tray and the pressure of the water injected into the brewing chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for the preparation of beverages by brewing a dose of a product to be brewed, including at least one brewing chamber provided with a receptacle for the dose and with an injection circuit for injecting water into the receptacle, the brewing chamber being topped by a movable tray provided with an orifice adapted to be selectively placed opposite a mouth of the receptacle of the brewing chamber, so as to open or close the brewing chamber depending on the position of the orifice, the brewing chamber comprising a sealing element configured to ensure a sealed contact between a peripheral area of the mouth of the brewing chamber and a lower face of the tray.