Coffee machine with a pressure relief valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing coffee machine pressure relief valves are prone to seal jamming when pressure exceeds a defined value, disrupting the valve's function and failing to protect against overpressure effectively.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a seal retainer with at least one gap for pressure redirection in the seal seating, which prevents the seal from being forced out and jamming by allowing pressure to be redirected, and optionally using O-rings and outflow channels for improved pressure flow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pressure relief valve uses a seal placed in a seal seating of a seal retainer, then the valve can effectively seal and control pressure, but the seal may jam between the seal retainer and housing when pressure exceeds the defined value

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidseal jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A groove is introduced as an intermediary structure between the seal and the housing. This groove receives and redirects excess pressure away from the seal, preventing the seal from being forced against the housing and eliminating the jamming problem while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the seal is forced out by excessive pressure, then the valve opens to relieve pressure, but the seal may become stuck and disrupt valve function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief functionVSAvoidvalve function continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove serves as a mediator that captures and redirects excess pressure before it can force the seal against the housing. This allows the valve to open for pressure relief when needed while preventing the seal from becoming stuck, ensuring continuous reliable function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances the reliability, longevity, and robustness of the pressure relief valve, ensuring reliable operation and protection against overpressure during the brewing process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic sealing component is compressed in a defined manner in the closed state of the valve by the defined force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The pressure relief valve has a housing, a cap, a spring and a seal placed in a seal seating of a seat retainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

If the fluid pressure exceeds the previously set force, the valve opens and the pressure inside the system is decreased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

the seal retainer has at least one gap for pressure redirection... which prevents the seal from being forced out and jamming by allowing pressure to be redirected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure redirection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4201274A1Coffee machine with a pressure relief valve

Publication Date: 2023.06.28 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

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AI summary

A coffee machine (10) with a fluid system (12) having a pressure relief valve (11) comprising a housing (13), a cap (14), a spring (20) and a seal (16) placed in a seal seating (17) of a seal retainer (15), wherein the seal retainer (15) has at least one gap (18) for pressure redirection. The present invention enables a coffee machine with a pressure relief valve of reliable operation, extended lifetime and robustness.