Automatic coffee machine with pump with improved damping device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee machines with rigid downstream conduces for damping vibrations generate noise pollution and protrusions that complicate pump arrangement, necessitating a solution for reduced nuisances and compact design.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible portion in the downstream conduit that decouples the damping device from the pump drive system, with a flexible support and damping device arranged separately from the pump, utilizing materials like silicone, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer to effectively damp vibrations and noise, and a compact frame design to accommodate the flexible support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid downstream conduit with damping device is used, then vibrations are damped, but noise is transmitted back to the pump and machine frame
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the rigid downstream conduit and the pump outlet. This flexible portion acts as a mediator that transmits hydraulic function while blocking vibration transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between vibration damping and noise prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion is made of elastomeric material that forms a flexible conduit replacing the rigid downstream conduit. This flexible shell allows hydraulic flow while its elastic properties prevent rigid vibration transmission to the pump and machine frame, thereby reducing noise
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid downstream conduit with damping device is used, then vibrations are damped, but the pump arrangement becomes complicated due to protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conduit can be routed and positioned more easily than rigid piping, allowing the damping device to be placed in available spaces without creating significant protrusions, thus simplifying the overall pump arrangement within the machine housing
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 flexible conduit and support arrangement significantly reduce noise and vibration nuisances while allowing for a compact and economical design, effectively decoupling the damping device from the pump drive system and improving noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible portion arranged between the drive system and the damping device
Implementation Method 2
the flexible support is made of a material chosen from a silicone, a rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer
Implementation Method 3
a damping device for damping vibrations generated by the drive system in the pressurized liquid which circulates towards the outlet orifice
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic coffee machine (1) comprising a pump (10) including an inlet port (11), an outlet port (12), a liquid drive system (13) for pressurizing and circulating a liquid from the inlet port (11) to the outlet port (12), and a downstream conduit (20) connecting the drive system (13) to the outlet port (12) of the pump (10) via fluidic communication. This downstream conduit (20) includes a damping device (30) for damping the vibrations generated by the drive system (13) in the pressurized liquid flowing towards the outlet port (12). According to the invention, the downstream conduit (20) includes a flexible portion (22) arranged between the drive system (13) and the damping device (30); and the damping device (30) is arranged in a flexible support (40).