Coffee Machine Filter Holder with Solenoid Valve for Brew Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine filter holders lack an automatic valve control mechanism, leading to unintended coffee dripping due to manual control of extraction fluid contact time and potential contamination of mechanics and electronics.
Innovation Solution
A filter holder with a valve arrangement actuated by a linear actuator, allowing programmable control of extraction fluid flow through a movable valve, protected by a hose and insulated from the liquid channel, and powered by an electromagnetic solenoid for precise timing and hygienic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical lever system is used to open the valve when a container is inserted, then the valve can be opened automatically, but the contact time of hot water on coffee grounds cannot be precisely controlled and unintended dripping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever system with an electromagnetic solenoid actuator that can be precisely controlled by electrical signals. This substitution enables programmable control of the valve opening duration, allowing exact control of water-coffee contact time while maintaining automatic operation when a container is inserted. The solenoid can be activated for specific time intervals (e.g., 5 seconds) to prevent unintended dripping after extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position (lever angle) to electrical timing (solenoid activation duration). By controlling the duration of electrical signal to the solenoid, the system can precisely regulate how long the valve remains open, thereby controlling the contact time between hot water and coffee grounds. This parameter change enables both automatic operation and precise timing control.
2Productivity
If the valve remains open as long as the container is under the filter holder, then continuous drainage is achieved, but contamination of mechanics and electronics occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever system with an electromagnetic solenoid that can be precisely controlled to close after a set time. This allows the valve to remain open only during the necessary extraction period and automatically close afterward, preventing coffee grounds and liquid from contaminating the mechanical and electrical components while maintaining continuous drainage during the extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the solenoid to open the valve only during the extraction period and then close it. This time-limited opening allows extraction fluid to drain continuously during the process, then stops to prevent contamination after extraction is complete, creating a controlled periodic operation cycle.
3Extent of automation
If a linear actuator with cam body is used to control the valve, then precise timing control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam body as an intermediary mechanism between the linearly moving solenoid plunger and the vertically moving valve. The cam body converts the horizontal linear motion of the solenoid plunger into vertical motion of the valve, enabling precise timing control through the solenoid's electrical control while simplifying the mechanical connection. This intermediary allows programmable control without requiring a complex direct mechanical linkage.
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 precise control of extraction fluid duration, prevents further fluid escape after extraction, and maintains hygiene by isolating mechanical and electronic components from contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator is preferably designed as an energized electromagnetic solenoid
Implementation Method 2
The hose can be made at least partially of an elastic material. This ensures a reliable seal at the ends of the hose. Furthermore, the hose can compensate for movement of the valve when opening or closing
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter holder (1) for receiving a filter containing extraction material, in particular ground coffee, comprises a receiving part (2) having a bottom (23) and at least one bottom-side passage opening (3) at which a valve (4) for opening and closing the passage opening (3) is located. The valve (4) can be moved by a linear drive (5) and can thus be controlled to adjust the brew time. A coffee machine comprising a filter holder (1) of this type is also disclosed.