Coffee machine, more particularly espresso coffee machine, and method for operating said coffee machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee machines with thermosiphon circuits cannot maintain steady water temperature during brewing and lack the ability to accurately adjust water temperature according to coffee blend and grinding degree, leading to inconsistent coffee quality.
Innovation Solution
The coffee machine incorporates additional separate hot water supply pipes that allow for independent control and adjustment of water temperature during brewing, separate from the thermosiphon circuit, with adjustable flow rates and strategically designed channels to ensure rapid and stable water delivery to the brewing group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a thermosiphon circuit is used to maintain brewing group temperature during stand-by times, then thermal steadiness during stand-by is improved, but water temperature stability during brewing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hot water supply system into two separate circuits: a thermosiphon circuit for heating the brewing group during stand-by times, and a separate controlled hot water supply circuit for providing temperature-stable water during brewing. This segmentation allows each circuit to optimize its function without interfering with the other, resolving the temperature stability conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from the thermosiphon circuit by introducing a separate controlled hot water supply system. This extracted circuit independently manages water temperature during brewing, preventing the thermosiphon circuit's temperature fluctuations from affecting brewing quality.
2Temperature
If hot water continuously circulates through the thermosiphon circuit during stand-by times, then brewing group temperature is maintained, but the ability to accurately adjust brewing temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control through a programmable microprocessor that adjusts water flow rates and heating parameters based on detected brewing conditions. The system can dynamically modify temperature settings for different coffee types, grinding degrees, and brewing phases, enabling accurate temperature adaptation while maintaining thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed thermosiphon-driven temperature to dynamically adjustable parameters including water flow rate, heating power, and temperature setpoints. The microprocessor monitors and adjusts these parameters in real-time based on brewing requirements, enabling precise temperature control for different coffee blends and preparation methods.
3Device complexity
If a single hot water supply circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the precision of temperature control during brewing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control system as an intermediary between the hot water generator and brewing group. This intelligent mediator monitors temperature, flow rate, and brewing parameters, then automatically adjusts heating and flow to achieve precise temperature control. The intermediary enables high-precision control without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors and flow meters that continuously monitor system parameters and feed information to the microprocessor. The controller adjusts heating power and water flow based on detected deviations from target parameters, maintaining precise temperature control through closed-loop feedback rather than open-loop mechanical complexity.
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 configuration maintains a steady and adjustable brewing temperature, enhancing coffee quality by allowing precise temperature control during brewing, independent of stand-by conditions, and enabling autonomous temperature adjustment for each brewing group.
Implementation Method 1
hot water continuously flows by natural convection in the circuit formed by the hot water supply pipe and the hot water return pipe
Implementation Method 2
Here, water coming from the return pipe is heated again, thus inducing a variation in its density. This makes the heated water move upwards, towards the hot water supply pipe, thus promoting water circulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coffee machine, more particularly to an espresso coffee machine. The coffee machine according to the invention comprises at least one hot water generator (1, 3), at least one brewing group (5) for brewing coffee, and a thermosiphon circuit between said hot water generator and said brewing group including a hot water supply pipe (13) and a hot water return pipe (15). According to the invention, one or more additional hot water supply pipes (13′), separate from said main hot water supply pipe (13), are provided between said hot water generator (1, 3) or another hot water source and said brewing group (5). Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to guarantee a greater steadiness in the water temperature during the steps of brewing coffee, and possibly the capability of quickly adjusting, even in real time, said temperature. Furthermore, if several brewing groups are provided, the water temperature during the brewing step can be advantageously controlled and adjusted in an autonomous and independent manner for each brewing group.