Coffee Machine Water Path Control for Multi-Flavor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee extraction methods, particularly those using cold water, are time-consuming and require multiple devices to produce different flavors of coffee.
Innovation Solution
A water path control system for a coffee machine that includes a water tank, pump, changeover valves, a heating device, and an extraction assembly, allowing for continuous or intermittent pressurization to achieve stable pressure values for efficient extraction of hot and cold brew coffees, enabling production of multiple flavors in a single apparatus and significantly reducing cold brew coffee extraction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cold water soaking method is used for coffee extraction, then multiple coffee flavors can be produced, but the extraction time becomes excessively long (8-12 hours or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a water pump to intermittently pressurize water through the coffee grounds in cycles. The water pump operates in periodic cycles, pressurizing water to flow through the coffee extraction device, then releasing pressure, allowing spent coffee to be discharged. This periodic pressurization and release cycle enables efficient extraction of multiple coffee flavors without requiring 8-12 hours of continuous soaking, significantly reducing extraction time while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coffee extraction devices are prepared to produce different flavors, then various coffee flavors can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single coffee machine that can produce multiple coffee flavors through one extraction device. The extraction device is configured to work with different coffee grounds (espresso, Americano, latte, etc.) and responds to different user inputs (button presses) to deliver various coffee types. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate extraction devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to produce diverse coffee flavors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the water path configurable and changeable during operation. The system uses changeover valves and a water pump that can dynamically redirect water flow between different paths (extraction path, steam path, hot water path) based on the selected coffee type. This dynamic adaptability allows a single device to perform multiple functions by changing its operational configuration rather than requiring multiple fixed devices.
3Productivity
If water pump continuously pressurizes water at high pressure (6-10 bar), then extraction efficiency is improved, but the risk of water leakage and component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a water pump to intermittently pressurize water through the coffee grounds in cycles. The water pump operates in periodic cycles, pressurizing water to flow through the coffee extraction device, then releasing pressure, allowing spent coffee to be discharged. This periodic pressurization and release cycle enables efficient extraction of multiple coffee flavors without requiring 8-12 hours of continuous soaking, significantly reducing extraction time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a pressure relief valve in the water path between the water pump and the extraction device. This pressure relief valve is pre-positioned to automatically release excess pressure when it reaches a predetermined level, preventing water leakage and component damage before they can occur. This safety mechanism cushions the system against the high pressures (6-10 bar) generated by the water pump during extraction, maintaining both extraction efficiency and system reliability.
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 the production of multiple coffee flavors in a single machine, with cold brew coffee extraction time reduced from hours to minutes, and allows for efficient recycling of water, eliminating the need for additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
when the water pump draws a liquid in the water tank through the first water path structure to the extraction assembly while continuously pressurizing the liquid, an output pressure of the water pump is a first pressure value, and is kept stable until extraction is completed
Implementation Method 2
The first changeover valve is sequentially connected with the heating device and the second changeover valve to form a first water path structure
Implementation Method 3
The water path control system for a coffee machine of the present invention further includes a pressure relief member connected and arranged between the water pump and the first changeover valve. The pressure relief member is connected to the water tank and makes the pressure-relieved water flow back to the water tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a coffee machine and a water path control system therefor. The water path control system includes a water tank, a water pump, a first changeover valve, a second changeover valve, a heating device and an extraction assembly. The water tank, the water pump and the first changeover valve are sequentially connected. The first changeover valve is sequentially connected with the heating device and the second changeover valve to form a first water path structure. The first changeover valve is connected with the second changeover valve to form a second water path structure. The second changeover valve is connected with the extraction assembly. According to the structure of the present invention, a user can make multiple flavors of coffee with one apparatus within a much shorter time.