Coffee machine and relative control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines lack control over the flow rate and pressure of water during the infusion process, which affects the organoleptic properties of the coffee, as they rely solely on mechanical resistance from the coffee dose and fixed temperature settings, limiting flexibility and quality.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a controller that regulates the flow rate and pressure of water through a hydraulic infusion circuit, using a feed pump connected to a boiler with temperature and pressure transducers, solenoid valves, and a flow meter to adjust the water flow in real-time to match a pre-set reference trend, ensuring optimal coffee extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a feed pump with fixed bypass circuit is used to supply water to the boiler and exchangers, then the system structure is simple, but the flow rate and pressure of water during infusion cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bypass circuit controllable through a solenoid valve, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between different flow paths. The bypass circuit is no longer fixed but can be opened or closed based on operational requirements, enabling control over water flow rate and pressure during infusion while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the bypass circuit by introducing a solenoid valve that can open or close the bypass path. This allows the system to vary the flow rate and pressure parameters of water during infusion by controlling the valve state, transforming a static system into one with adjustable parameters.
2Ease of operation
If temperature control is achieved through boiler pressure regulation, then the heating system is simple, but the infusion water flow rate and pressure remain uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water supply system into two independent control paths: one for temperature control (boiler pressure regulation) and another for flow rate and pressure control (bypass circuit with solenoid valve). This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate independently, enabling precise control of infusion water parameters without complicating the overall heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve acts as an intermediary element between the feed pump and the infusion system. It mediates the water flow by selectively opening or closing the bypass circuit, thereby controlling the flow rate and pressure of water during infusion without interfering with the boiler's temperature control mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the feed pump operates without pressure control, then the system is simple to operate, but the organoleptic properties of coffee cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure in the water supply line and a solenoid valve to adjust the bypass circuit based on the detected pressure. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the infusion pressure remains within the optimal range for consistent coffee quality, while the control logic can be programmed to match desired organoleptic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical pressure regulation with an electro-mechanical control system. The solenoid valve, controlled by electrical signals based on pressure sensor feedback, substitutes for traditional mechanical pressure regulators, enabling more precise and programmable pressure control for optimized coffee extraction.
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 over the infusion process, allowing for customizable coffee quality and flexibility in meeting changing consumer needs by adjusting the flow rate and pressure to achieve desired organoleptic properties, thereby enhancing coffee extraction efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one feed pump 2 for supplying water
Implementation Method 2
at least one boiler 3 hydraulically connected to the feed pump 2... where the steam and hot water are produced
Implementation Method 3
Regulation of the service boiler pressure takes place by means of a pressure switch or a temperature probe that controls the electric power supply
Implementation Method 4
Regulation of the service boiler pressure takes place by means of a pressure switch or a temperature probe that controls the electric power supply
Implementation Method 5
said bypass circuit being controllable by means of a solenoid valve 32
Implementation Method 6
regulating means for regulating the flow rate of water passing through the infusion unit 4 and measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the water passing through the infusion unit 4
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The coffee machine comprises at least one hydraulic infusion circuit comprising at least one feed pump (2) for supplying water, at least one boiler (3) hydraulically connected to the feed pump (2) by cascade connection, at least one infusion unit (4) that is hydraulically connected to the boiler (3) by cascade connection and through which a flow rate of hot water can pass for execution of an infusion cycle, means for regulating the flow rate of the water, means for measuring said flow rate of the water, and a feedback controller (6) connected to the regulating means and to the measuring means and configured to compare in real time the current value of the flow rate of the water, as measured by the measuring means, with a corresponding reference value, and to control the regulating means so as to eliminate any deviation of the current value with respect to the corresponding reference value.