Coffee machine with a temperature adjustment and control module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee machines lack precise temperature control and adjustable water flow, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and beverage quality, with a valve that only operates in two positions and no temperature sensor in the heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a temperature adjustment and control module that includes a volumetric sensor, adjustable valve, electromagnetic valve, 3D magnetic sensor, and temperature sensor, connected to a server, allowing for precise temperature regulation and stepless water flow control through the thermosyphon cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a valve operating only in two extreme positions (fully opened and fully closed) is used, then the device structure is simple, but the water flow regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static two-position valve with a dynamic adjustable valve that can assume multiple intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed. This allows continuous adjustment of water flow through the thermosyphon cycle, enabling precise temperature control while maintaining relatively simple valve structure.
2Device complexity
If no temperature sensor is installed in the heat exchanger, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs temperature sensors in the heat exchanger to provide real-time temperature feedback to the control system. This enables the controller to monitor the actual temperature of heated water and adjust the adjustable valve position accordingly, achieving precise temperature control through closed-loop feedback regulation.
3Measurement precision
If an adjustable valve is used instead of a two-position valve, then the water flow regulation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical multi-position valves with an adjustable valve actuated by an electromagnetic driver. This substitution uses electromagnetic fields instead of complex mechanical linkages to achieve multiple stable positions, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining precise flow regulation capability.
4Device complexity
If temperature control is not implemented, then the device structure is simple, but the energy consumption increases due to insufficient precision regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors temperature via sensors and adjusts the adjustable valve position to maintain optimal temperature. This feedback control prevents energy waste by ensuring water is heated only to the required temperature and by regulating the thermosyphon cycle efficiency, thereby reducing overall electricity consumption despite adding control system 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 solution enables optimal beverage temperature control, reduces energy losses, and minimizes water consumption by accurately regulating water flow and temperature, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in coffee production.
Implementation Method 1
a boiler (3) with heating elements (4)... a heat exchanger (2), installed in a boiler (3)
Implementation Method 2
water flow control of the thermosyphon cycle... regulating the water flow through the thermosyphon cycle
Implementation Method 3
The coffee group (6) is connected via a return pipeline (14) to the heat exchanger (2) and to an electromagnetic valve (15)
Implementation Method 4
an identification sensor, being a 3D linear magnetic sensor (17)... A permanent magnet (16) is attached to the handle (7)
Implementation Method 5
a temperature sensor (18) are installed on the coffee group (6)... heat exchanger temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a)~2d)
AI summary
(57) The coffee machine consists of a pump (1) which is connected to the coffee group (6) via a heat exchanger (2) installed in the boiler (3). A volumetric sensor (9) is fitted to the pump (1) and a volumetric sensor (11) and a valve (12) for filling the boiler (3) are installed between the pump (1) and the heat exchanger (2). An adjustable valve (13) for the water flow is installed between the heat exchanger (2) and the coffee group (6). A permanent magnet (16) is attached to the handle (7), as well as an identification sensor (17) and a temperature sensor (18) are installed on the coffee group (6). The coffee machine also includes a module for temperature adjustment and control (19), which receives and / or sends signals from/to the temperature sensor (18), the identification sensor (17), the electromagnetic valve (15), the pump (1) and the volumetric sensors (9) and (11). The temperature adjustment and control module (19) is also connected to a server (25), the water level sensor (20) and the water pressure sensor (21) in the boiler (3), the adjustable valve (13), the heating elements ( 4) in the boiler (3), the temperature sensor (24) of the heat exchanger (2) and the valve (12) for filling the boiler (3).