Coffee Machine Filter Holder Height Adjustment to Reduce Splashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual coffee machines face usability issues due to the limited adjustability of the filter holder cup height, leading to difficulties with tall cups, uncontrolled coffee splashes, and compromised organoleptic properties when using different cup sizes.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a support structure that allows adjustable positioning of the filter holder cup relative to the cup resting surface, utilizing a bayonet joining system and a slidable support mechanism driven by a rotary motor and endless screw, enabling precise height adjustment and reducing coffee's free fall distance to minimize splashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the filter holder cup is positioned high to accommodate tall cups, then cup height adaptability is improved, but coffee splashing increases due to longer free fall distance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter holder cup assembly is made movable vertically along the brewing chamber axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position. The motorized drive mechanism enables the assembly to move between different height positions, optimizing the free fall distance based on cup type and user preference, thus resolving the contradiction between accommodating tall cups and preventing coffee splashing
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the filter holder cup assembly is made variable through motorized actuation. By changing this parameter (height position), the system adapts to different cup configurations while controlling the coffee dispensing characteristics, allowing the same machine to handle both tall and short cups without excessive splashing
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the filter holder cup is positioned low to reduce coffee fall distance, then coffee splashing is reduced, but space for positioning and removing tall cups is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vertically movable filter holder cup assembly creates dynamic clearance space between the brewing chamber and cup resting surface. When a tall cup is detected or selected, the assembly automatically raises to provide sufficient insertion space, then lowers during dispensing to minimize fall distance and splashing, ensuring both ease of operation and reduced harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the filter holder cup assembly to the appropriate height before coffee dispensing begins. This preliminary action ensures that the optimal position is established in advance, accommodating the specific cup being used while preparing to minimize splashing during the actual dispensing operation
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 practical and convenient use with any cup height, maintaining product quality and reducing coffee splashes, while allowing adjustment of coffee characteristics through the controlled fall path.
Implementation Method 1
the filter holder cup assembly can be moved along the brewing chamber axis between a raised position in which the free fall distance is maximised and a lowered position in which the free fall distance is minimised, and in which the filter holder cup assembly is automatically lowered in the event of an interruption of the power supply
Data Source
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AI summary
The coffee machine (1) comprises a resting surface (6) for cups (7, 7') and a hydraulic circuit having in cascade a pump, a boiler, an infusion head (3) and a filter holder cup (4) removably engaged with the infusion head (3), also being provided a mobile support structure (8) for supporting the assembly formed by the infusion head (3) and the filter holder cup (4), and a movement means (17) for moving the support structure (8) between a plurality of positions to which different distances of the filter holder cup (4) from the resting surface (6) correspond.