Coffee Brewer Piston Sieve Locking for Tool-Free Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brewing devices for coffee machines require time-consuming and tool-dependent processes for removing and replacing sieves, which hinders efficient cleaning and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The pistons in the brewing device are equipped with supporting parts that can be easily inserted and removed, featuring a locking mechanism with cams and springs for secure attachment, allowing for simple sieve replacement and cleaning without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sieves are fixed to the pistons using traditional screwing methods, then the sieves are securely attached, but the cleaning and replacement process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sieve removalVSAvoidtime for cleaning and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The piston assembly is segmented into modular components: the piston body, the supporting part with sieve, and the connecting element. This segmentation allows the supporting part with sieve to be easily detached from the piston body without requiring tool-assisted disassembly of the entire piston structure, thereby reducing the time and effort needed for sieve maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting part with sieve is extracted as a separate, removable component from the piston assembly. This extraction enables the sieve to be quickly removed for cleaning or replacement by simply detaching the supporting part, eliminating the need for tool-dependent screwing operations and significantly reducing maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the supporting part is easily removable from the piston, then sieve maintenance becomes simple, but the secure attachment of the supporting part may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of supporting part attachmentVSAvoidsecure attachment of supporting part
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the supporting part and piston body is made dynamic rather than static. The supporting part can be easily inserted and removed when needed for maintenance, yet when assembled, it forms a reliable connection that secures the sieve during brewing operations. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between ease of maintenance and operational reliability as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the supporting part, then the attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of supporting partVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the supporting part to the piston body upon insertion, without requiring additional locking steps or complex assembly procedures. This self-service approach ensures reliable attachment while minimizing the complexity of the locking mechanism, as the system self-secures through its own structural design rather than requiring external locking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration enables quick and tool-free removal and replacement of sieves, facilitating cleaning and allowing for customization of water supply and coffee removal guides, thereby enhancing the brewing process's efficiency and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

whose one end face can be pressed against the inclined plane into a forward position by means of spring means that the supporting part inserted into the piston is pressed into the locked position via the spring-loaded bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

At least one radially running, helically arranged inclined plane is attached to the supporting part, which interacts with a bolt which is arranged in the piston so that it can be displaced in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP2371247B1Brewing device for a coffee machine
Publication Date: 2012.12.05 SCHAERER AG
  • EP2371247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2371247B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2371247B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The device has a brewing cylinder (2), a lower piston (4) and an upper piston (5) displaced relative to each another. A surface of the pistons face a brewing chamber (6) provided with sieves (11, 12), where hot water is conducted into the brewing chamber or coffee is discharged from the brewing chamber via connecting channels (7, 8) provided in the pistons. One of the sieves is installed on supporting structures (9, 10). The supporting structures comprise connecting elements (13, 14) connected to the connecting channels in a sealed manner.