Coffee Machine Bypass Pump Layout for Pressure Relief Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee-making devices are inefficient in hot water use, complex due to separate drainage systems for excess pressure, and prone to energy losses from unnecessary water release, with a heating pipe temperature limited by atmospheric exposure preventing steam formation and pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
A by-pass line is introduced parallel to the pressure pump to redirect excess pressure water back to the suction side, eliminating the need for external drainage and incorporating a second pump for controlled water supply, with a regulating unit managing flow and temperature to optimize energy use and device compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate drainage system is used to remove excess pressure water, then the device can prevent pressure buildup and steam formation, but the device complexity increases and energy losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drainage function into the existing reservoir structure. The reservoir serves dual purposes: as the heat exchange medium storage and as the collection point for excess pressure water. This eliminates the need for separate drainage pipes and collection reservoirs, reducing device complexity while maintaining pressure control safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful excess pressure water into a beneficial resource. Instead of discarding it through drainage, the water is redirected back to the reservoir where it can be reheated and reused. This converts waste water and energy into useful resources, eliminating energy losses while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If excess pressure water is drained to the surroundings, then pressure buildup is prevented, but water loss and energy loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements water recovery by redirecting excess pressure water back to the reservoir instead of discarding it. The water is recovered and can be reheated for subsequent use, eliminating the energy loss associated with discarding hot water and reheating cold water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful excess pressure water into a beneficial resource by redirecting it to the reservoir. This transforms what would be waste water and energy loss into reusable hot water, eliminating energy losses while maintaining pressure control safety.
3Temperature
If the heating pipe is made long to achieve correct temperature, then the temperature control is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the heating pipe within the reservoir, allowing the pipe to coil through the heat exchange medium. This nested configuration maximizes the heat exchange surface area and length within a compact volume, achieving the required temperature control without increasing the overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear heating pipe arrangement to a three-dimensional coiled configuration within the reservoir. This dimensional change allows the heating pipe to achieve the necessary length and heat exchange surface area within a compact space, maintaining temperature control while reducing device footprint.
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 solution simplifies the device design, reduces energy losses, and allows for a more compact configuration by preventing water loss and utilizing the heat exchanger efficiently, enabling the preparation of hot water for various beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element and water in the reservoir as a heat-exchange medium
Implementation Method 2
an outlet connected to a heating pipe, which is in heat-exchanging contact with a heating body
Implementation Method 3
a pressure pump with a supply pipe for supplying relatively cold water to the pressure pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for preparing hot water provided with a pressure pump with a supply pipe for supplying relatively cold water to the pressure pump and an outlet connected to a heating pipe which is in heat-exchanging contact with a heating body, with an outlet valve in the heating pipe and a coffee holder, connected to the heating pipe, for accommodating a bed of coffee, whereby the heating body comprises a reservoir that is openly connected to the environment, with a heating element and water in the reservoir as a heat-exchange medium. A bypass pipe (54) connects the inlet (57) and outlet (35) of the pressure pump (34) to each other, with a pressure- operated valve (56) in the by-pass pipe.