Machine and method for producing and delivering coffee-based beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing and delivering coffee-based beverages face challenges in maintaining consistent organoleptic characteristics over time, as they rely solely on water pressure and delivery time to control infusion, which is insufficient for achieving optimum and repeatable results.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with a first pressure sensor, a volumetric meter, and a control unit that regulates water flow-rate based on pressure values from both sensors, along with a solenoid valve and a manifold solenoid valve, to manage the volume and pressure of water delivery, ensuring consistent infusion quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water pressure and delivery time are used to control infusion, then the machine structure remains simple, but the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage cannot be kept constant over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the actual water pressure during infusion, and a control unit compares this with the target pressure curve. The system automatically adjusts the water flow rate in real-time to maintain the desired pressure profile, ensuring repeatable organoleptic characteristics. This closed-loop feedback mechanism transforms the open-loop simple pressure control into a reliable constant-quality system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of water flow with an automated electronic control system. Instead of relying on simple mechanical pressure regulation, the system uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and actuators to precisely control the infusion process. This substitution enables complex pressure-time profile management that cannot be achieved with simple mechanical means, while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
2Manufacturing precision
If only water pressure is measured to regulate flow-rate, then the control system remains simple, but optimum infusion cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs real-time feedback from pressure sensors to continuously monitor and adjust water flow rate during infusion. The control unit processes pressure data and dynamically modifies pump operation or valve positioning to maintain the target pressure profile. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of infusion parameters, achieving optimum extraction quality that cannot be obtained with simple open-loop pressure measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically adjusting water flow based on real-time pressure feedback without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously modifies pump speed or valve opening to maintain the desired pressure profile, enabling the system to self-correct deviations and maintain optimal infusion conditions throughout the process.
3Reliability
If water flow-rate is regulated through pump variation or valve adjustment, then delivery time can be controlled, but repeatable infusion quality is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously regulates water flow rate by automatically adjusting pump speed or valve positioning based on real-time pressure feedback. The control unit independently manages the infusion process, eliminating the need for operator skill in manual flow regulation. This self-service capability ensures repeatable infusion quality regardless of operator expertise, as the system automatically compensates for variations and maintains the target pressure profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical flow regulation with automated electronic control. Instead of requiring operators to manually adjust valves or pump settings, the system uses electronic sensors and actuators to precisely control water flow. This substitution transforms a skill-dependent manual process into an automated, repeatable operation that consistently delivers optimal infusion quality.
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
The solution ensures consistent organoleptic characteristics and repeatable infusion quality by precisely controlling the water volume and pressure, maintaining the quality of the beverage over time.
Implementation Method 1
a heating boiler (1) comprising first means for heating (19) and controlling (14) the water temperature
Implementation Method 2
an electric resistance (7) arranged in the delivering assembly (3) for heating the water
Implementation Method 3
the pump delivering hot water is actuated, thereby obtaining the infusion
Data Source
AI summary
A machine is described, for producing and delivering coffee-based beverages comprising: a heating boiler (1); a delivering assembly (3) comprising a solenoid valve (8) and second means for heating (7) and controlling (4) the water temperature; a filter-holder (5) removably connectable to the delivering assembly (3), comprising a filter (6) in which the powder of ground coffee is pressed; a hydraulic pump (2) for delivering water from the delivering assembly (3) through the powder of ground coffee, and connected to the heating boiler (1) and to the delivering assembly (3); a first pressure sensor (21) to detect the water delivery pressure and regulate the flow-rate of water depending on the pressure value detected by a second pressure sensor (26) arranged next to the solenoid valve (8) to measure the counter-pressure exerted by the powder of ground coffee.