Dishwasher-Washable Coffee Infusion Unit With Self-Lubricating Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion units in coffee machines require frequent lubrication and external additives for washing, leading to environmental pollution and increased costs, as well as potential changes in the organoleptic properties of the beverage.
Innovation Solution
The infusion unit is designed with self-lubricating properties in moving parts and a supporting structure with openings to facilitate dishwasher washing, eliminating the need for external lubricants and allowing for efficient water penetration and detergent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external lubricants are applied to moving parts, then the moving parts can operate smoothly, but the lubricants are removed during dishwasher washing and require repeated application, creating environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The moving parts are designed with self-lubricating properties through material selection (e.g., polyacetal resin with inherent self-lubrication characteristics), allowing the parts to maintain smooth operation without requiring external lubricants that would be washed away and cause pollution. The system serves itself by incorporating lubrication functionality directly into the material properties of the moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the moving parts by selecting resins with specific self-lubricating properties (such as polyacetal resin) and controlling their physical and chemical characteristics. This parameter change enables the parts to maintain low friction and smooth operation inherently, eliminating the need for external lubricants that would be removed during washing.
2Strength
If the infusion unit structure is made solid for strength, then structural integrity is maintained, but water penetration for washing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion unit structure implements local quality by having different structural characteristics in different regions. The outer shell maintains solid construction for strength, while specific internal regions incorporate openings or channels that allow water penetration. This localized modification enables effective washing without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates porous or open-structured materials in specific areas of the infusion unit to facilitate water penetration during washing. These porous regions allow detergent and water to reach moving parts and internal surfaces, while the rest of the structure maintains solid construction for strength and durability.
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 design enables easier and more efficient washing of the infusion unit in a dishwasher, reducing the need for external lubricants and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining the quality of the beverage.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the parts of the infusion unit in reciprocal contact and moving with respect to one another have, at least in areas of reciprocal contact and friction, different self-lubrication properties to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The removable infusion unit to produce hot beverages, in particular coffee, comprises a supporting structure (3, 5) mechanically connected to an infusion chamber comprising a first portion and a second portion, moving with respect to each other, and a mechanism for opening and closing said infusion chamber. The supporting structure and the opening and closing mechanism of the infusion chamber are made of materials that do not require external lubrication.