Brewing Unit Housing Split Across the Spindle to Cut Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fully automatic coffee machine brewing units are complex and expensive due to the need for high tensile and pressure load capacity, leading to increased noise and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A spindle brewing unit with a horizontally oriented parting plane dividing the housing into upper and lower segments, allowing axial insertion of the threaded spindle and incorporating support and guide surfaces to absorb tilting moments, reducing material stress and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the housing is designed to withstand high tensile and pressure loads, then the load capacity is improved, but the housing design becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first segment and a second segment separated by a parting plane running transversely to the spindle axis. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for specific functions while reducing overall complexity. The bearing shells are also segmented and mounted on the parting plane, distributing the load-bearing function across multiple components rather than requiring a single complex housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shells are integrated into the housing segments, combining the bearing function with the housing structure. The sealing elements are merged with the bearing shells, creating a multi-functional component that reduces the number of separate parts. The brewing chamber housing is combined with the connecting arm and lead screw nut, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the parting plane runs along the threaded spindle vertically, then the housing can be separated for mounting, but the bearing devices require complex halved bearing shells with increased tolerances and noise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of running the parting plane vertically along the spindle axis, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the parting plane transversely to the spindle axis. This allows the bearing shells to be mounted on the parting plane in a halved configuration, but with the convex sides facing each other, creating a more stable and precise bearing arrangement with reduced tolerances and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shells are designed with different geometries on their convex and concave sides. The convex sides are optimized for mounting on the parting plane with precise fitting surfaces, while the concave sides are optimized for receiving the spindle. This local differentiation of quality allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall tolerance requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional bearing shells are halved on both housing elements, then the housing can be assembled, but tolerances increase and noise development increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing shells are designed with convex sides that fit together like interlocking puzzle pieces on the parting plane. This convex-convex configuration creates a self-centering effect that compensates for manufacturing tolerances, reducing play and noise in the bearing arrangement while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing shells are designed to be mounted dynamically on the parting plane, allowing for slight adjustments during assembly to achieve optimal alignment. The convex fitting surfaces are designed with appropriate clearance and tolerance zones that allow for self-adjustment, reducing the impact of manufacturing variations on noise and performance.
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
Simplifies the design and assembly of the brewing unit, reduces noise, and lowers manufacturing costs by enabling axial spindle insertion and distributing tilting loads across multiple surfaces, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle for driving the brewing chamber via a connecting arm as a spindle nut
Implementation Method 2
the upper segment can comprise a support surface which supports the housing of the brewing chamber against the tilting moment during a brewing process
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fully automatic coffee machine (1) comprising a spindle brewing unit (5) with a brewing device (10) consisting of a brewing chamber (11) and a brewing piston (13), a threaded spindle (7) for driving the brewing chamber (11) via a connecting arm (15) as a spindle nut, wherein the brewing device (10) is arranged laterally next to the threaded spindle (7), further comprising a C-shaped housing (8, 88, 89) with a stand section (82, 83, 84) along the threaded spindle (7), a bottom section (81) and a top section (80), each of which is orthogonal to the threaded spindle (7), wherein the housing (8, 88, 89) serves to support the brewing device (10) and the threaded spindle (7) and is separable into a first segment (81, 84, 88) and a second segment (80, 83, 89).The essential point is that a parting plane (C) essentially transverse to the spindle axis (A) divides the housing (8, 88, 89) into a lower segment (81, 84, 88) and an upper segment (80, 83, 89).