Coffee Machine Bypass Pump for Precise Mixing Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage machines face challenges in accurately controlling the flow between the main and bypass paths, leading to uncertainties in achieving the desired brewing water temperature due to varying flow speeds and hydrodynamics, which affects the mixing temperature.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass flow pump in the bypass flow path that accurately meters the admixing of cold water, allowing for controlled flow and temperature adjustment by managing the low pressure difference between the main and bypass flow paths, using a gear-type or magnetic piston pump for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cover or magnetic valve is arranged in a bypass to release the bypass as needed, then cold water can be supplied to the beverage outlet around the heating device, but the flow distribution between main path and bypass cannot be accurately controlled due to equal pressure differences and varying hydrodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional magnetic valve (electromagnetic actuation) with a piezoelectric actuator that converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement. This piezoelectric actuator precisely controls the opening degree of the bypass valve, enabling accurate regulation of bypass flow and从而实现 precise mixing temperature control. The piezoelectric mechanism provides fine positional control that resolves the flow distribution accuracy problem while maintaining temperature flexibility.
2Productivity
If the flow speed varies as a function of the brewing device phase, then the hydrodynamics change, but this creates uncertainties in the mixing temperature that cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that continuously monitors the actual mixing temperature and compares it with the target temperature. Based on this comparison, the control system dynamically adjusts the bypass valve opening degree via the piezoelectric actuator to compensate for hydrodynamic variations during different brewing phases. This closed-loop feedback ensures consistent mixing temperature reliability regardless of flow speed changes throughout the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable bypass valve controlled by a piezoelectric actuator, which can continuously change its opening degree in real-time. This dynamic control capability allows the system to adapt the bypass flow rate to match varying brewing conditions and flow speeds at different phases, maintaining temperature consistency while supporting high-speed brewing operations.
3Ease of operation
If a valve is used to turn off the bypass completely, then the flow can be stopped, but this creates unknown impacts to hydrodynamics and great uncertainties in mixing temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional valve mechanism with a piezoelectric actuator that provides precise, continuous control of the bypass opening. This piezoelectric system can achieve complete closure when needed while also providing fine-grained control at any intermediate position, eliminating the hydrodynamic uncertainties associated with traditional valve operations and enabling precise mixing temperature control throughout the entire control range.
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
Enables reliable and accurate setting of mixing temperatures at the dispensing location, improving the consistency and quality of beverages while being more cost-efficient than traditional magnetic valves.
Implementation Method 1
an admixing water quantity can be controlled accurately by means of the low pressure difference between main and bypass flow path
Implementation Method 2
a main flow path that leads through a heating device
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage machine (1), in particular to a coffee machine, has a main flow path (3), that leads through a heating device (2), and a bypass flow path (4) that circumvents the heating device (2). The bypass flow path (4) branches off from the main flow path (3) upstream of the heating device (2). The main flow path (3) is connected to a water tank (5) at the input side and to a dispensing location (6) at the output side. A main flow pump (7) is arranged in the main flow path (3) between the water tank (5) and the heating device (2). Thus a bypass pump (8) is arranged in the bypass flow path (4) to provide a cost-efficient and accurate admixing of cold water.