Coffee machine for preparation of pressure-extracted coffee with a low particle content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines require separate percolating systems and dispensing points for preparing pressure-extracted coffee specialities and standard filter coffee, leading to increased production complexity, costs, and maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a filter element positioned downstream of the percolating sieve, which filters out suspended particles and emulsified oils, allowing for the preparation of both pressure-extracted coffee with low particle content and standard filter coffee in a single device without a second percolating unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate percolating systems and dispensing points are used for pressure-extracted coffee and standard filter coffee, then both coffee types can be prepared, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single percolating unit with percolating sieve is designed to handle both pressure-extracted coffee and standard filter coffee preparation. The system uses one percolating unit that can operate in different modes: with pressure for espresso-style coffee and without pressure for filter coffee, eliminating the need for separate percolating systems while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the filtration function from the percolation function. A filter element is introduced as a distinct component that can be selectively engaged to remove particles from pressure-extracted coffee, while the single percolating sieve handles both coffee types. This segmentation allows one percolating unit to serve multiple purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate percolating systems are used for different coffee types, then both coffee types can be prepared, but maintenance efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using a single percolating unit with a removable filter element, the system reduces the number of components requiring maintenance. The filter element can be easily removed and cleaned, and the percolating sieve serves both coffee preparation modes, significantly reducing maintenance efforts compared to having separate systems
3Manufacturing precision
If a filter element is added downstream of the percolating sieve, then particle content is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily extracted from the system. This allows the filtration function to be added without permanently complicating the device structure, and the filter can be removed or replaced without affecting the core percolating unit
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element acts as an intermediary component between the percolating sieve and the coffee output. It provides the particle reduction function without being integrated into the core percolating mechanism, allowing it to be added or removed as needed without fundamentally changing the device architecture
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 the simple and rapid preparation of different coffee products by filtering out ultrafine components and 'crema', reducing production complexity and costs while maintaining flavor and visual quality.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element for reducing the particle content of coffee, which filter element is disposed downstream of the percolating sieve and is connected fluidically to the percolating sieve and to the outflow
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee machine for the preparation of pressure-extracted coffee with a low particle content is provided. The coffee machine differs from known machines for pressure-extraction of coffee by comprising a filter element for reducing the particle content of coffee, which filter element is disposed downstream of the percolating sieve and is connected fluidically to the percolating sieve and to the outflow. By means of the filter element, coffee extracted by pressure in the percolating unit can be filtered before dispensing the outflow so that suspended particles and emulsified oils of a specific size are separated from the coffee by the filter element and a new coffee is produced. In addition, the coffee machine can prepare standard pressure-extracted coffee since the coffee from the percolating unit can also be guided past the filter element, i.e. need not flow necessarily via the filter element to the outflow.