Coffee extraction device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee extracting devices often experience external discharge of remaining coffee due to unresolved pressure after extraction, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of vent valves between the heater and coffee extracting unit, and between the heater and discharge member, along with an ambient air intake pipe to equalize internal and external pressures, preventing external discharge of residual coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent valve is provided between the heater and the coffee extracting unit, then pressure in the coffee extracting unit is released after coffee extraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve is configured to automatically open when the coffee extraction is complete and the pressure differential reverses, allowing ambient pressure to equalize without requiring external control mechanisms. The system uses its own pressure dynamics to trigger the pressure release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent valve acts as an intermediary component between the pressurized coffee extraction system and the ambient environment, mediating the pressure transition by opening to allow pressure equalization when needed, thereby preventing uncontrolled discharge while maintaining system integrity.
2Productivity
If pressure is maintained during coffee extraction, then coffee extraction efficiency is improved, but residual coffee is discharged externally after extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The vent valve transitions from a closed state during extraction to an open state after extraction, dynamically adapting its configuration based on the operational phase. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain pressure when needed and release pressure when extraction is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure differential feedback to control the vent valve state. When the internal pressure exceeds ambient pressure during extraction, the valve remains closed. When pressure equalizes or reverses after extraction, the valve opens to prevent discharge.
3Reliability
If the vent valve is opened after coffee extraction, then pressure is released and coffee discharge is prevented, but coffee may remain in the discharge line
Solution Approach 1:
The remaining coffee in the discharge line is extracted by introducing ambient air through the vent valve, which creates a pressure differential that pushes the residual coffee toward the discharge outlet, effectively clearing the line without requiring additional extraction mechanisms.
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
Effectively releases pressure in the coffee extracting unit after extraction, ensuring residual coffee is not externally discharged, maintaining hygiene and preventing coffee from remaining in the device.
Implementation Method 1
a vent valve is provided between the heater and the coffee extracting unit, the vent valve being closed during coffee extraction and being opened after coffee extraction
Implementation Method 2
an ambient air intake pipe may be connected to the coffee extracting unit to allow ambient air to be introduced to the coffee extracting unit after coffee extraction
Implementation Method 3
a pump connected to a water supply source and pressurizing water supplied from the water supply source
Implementation Method 4
a heater heating water pressurized by the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee extraction device is disclosed. A coffee extraction device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pump which is connected to a water supply source and pressurizes water supplied from the water supply source; a heater for heating the water pressurized by the pump; a coffee extraction unit for extracting coffee using the water heated by the heater; and a discharge member for discharging the coffee, which has been extracted by the coffee extraction unit, to the outside, wherein a vent valve may be provided between the heater and the coffee extraction unit, the vent valve being closed during coffee extraction and being opened after coffee extraction.