Coffee machine with overflow feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Espresso machines lack efficient methods for regulating water pressure and volume during the brewing process and for controlling steam output, particularly in comparison to traditional needle valves, which require excessive rotation for full control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow measurement apparatus that calculates resultant flow by subtracting return flow from feed flow, allowing for real-time dose measurement and pump operation control, combined with a pump power modification module for pressure profiling, and a steam control apparatus using a ball valve with a rotating paddle for easy steam output regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle valve is used to control steam output, then steam flow can be regulated, but the valve requires numerous rotations to transition from closed to fully opened state, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the valve from multi-turn rotation to quarter-turn operation. The ball valve design allows the steam output to be controlled by rotating the handle approximately 90 degrees, dramatically reducing the time and effort required to adjust steam flow compared to traditional needle valves that require numerous rotations.
2Measurement precision
If an over pressure valve is used to regulate water pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but the system lacks precise measurement of resultant flow delivered to the coffee
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow measurement into two separate measurements: feed flow (water entering the pump) and return flow (water returning from the over pressure valve). By measuring these two flows separately and calculating the difference, the system achieves precise measurement of the resultant flow delivered to the coffee without requiring a complex direct measurement system at the coffee delivery point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pump control is used for water delivery, then basic pressure delivery is achieved, but the system cannot provide controlled low pressure pre-infusion or pressure profiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by varying the pump motor power during different stages of the brewing process. The system can deliver high pressure for the main extraction and low pressure for pre-infusion by adjusting the motor power level, enabling pressure profiling and multiple pressure stages without adding complex mechanical pressure regulation components.
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee making device has a body with a drip tray and a removable water tank that supplies water to a heat system of the device. The water tank is internal to the device and removable by a user. The body has a fluid refill opening that leads to the tank. The tank includes an overflow channel or conduit that dispenses into the drip tray.