Coffee Machine Hot Water Mixing Control for Stable Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water supplying devices in coffee machines are not capable of quickly and simply adjusting the temperature of hot water to suit different beverages, leading to unstable temperature oscillations and inadequate temperature settings for various types of teas and infusions.
Innovation Solution
A hot water supplying device with a control unit that manages the introduction of hot and cold water through separate ducts and electromagnetic valves, allowing for dynamic temperature control by adjusting the duration of water injection periods, enabling precise temperature settings for different beverage preparations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hot water tank is used for both espresso coffee preparation and hot water service, then the device structure is simplified, but the temperature stability deteriorates due to heavy thermal oscillations when large amounts of hot water are supplied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water supply system into two separate tanks: a first hot water tank for espresso coffee preparation and a second hot water tank for hot water service. This segmentation allows each tank to maintain its own temperature independently, preventing thermal oscillations in the espresso tank when large amounts of water are drawn for service. The controller manages both tanks separately to optimize temperature stability for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different temperature settings to different tanks based on their specific functions. The first tank is maintained at a higher temperature optimized for espresso coffee, while the second tank is maintained at a lower temperature suitable for hot water service. This local quality approach ensures each tank operates at optimal temperature for its intended purpose without interfering with the other.
2Device complexity
If the hot water tank is shared between espresso coffee preparation and hot water service, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature setting precision deteriorates because the same temperature setting privileges espresso coffee requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water storage into two separate tanks, each with independent temperature control. This allows the first tank to be optimized for espresso coffee at higher temperatures while the second tank is optimized for hot water service at lower temperatures, achieving precise temperature settings for each function simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature settings are applied to different tanks according to their specific functional requirements. The controller manages each tank's temperature independently, ensuring optimal temperature precision for both espresso coffee preparation and hot water service without compromise.
3Device complexity
If a mechanical metering rod is used to regulate cold water flow, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex mechanical adjustment operations that are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical metering rod system with an electromagnetic valve controlled by a controller. The controller electronically regulates the cold water flow rate by controlling the electromagnetic valve's opening degree, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustments. This substitution makes the system easier to operate and control while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages the electromagnetic valve to regulate cold water flow based on the selected temperature and beverage type, eliminating the need for user intervention in mechanical adjustments. The system self-regulates the water flow to achieve the desired temperature without requiring complex user operations.
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
The device achieves stable and adjustable hot water temperatures, ensuring optimal preparation conditions for various beverages by dynamically controlling the temperature based on user input, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic valves, allowing for dynamic temperature control by adjusting the duration of water injection periods
Implementation Method 2
a condensation chamber (11) arranged to mix the hot water and the cold water to a target temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hot water supplying device for coffee machines comprising a condensation chamber having at least one output duct for supplying the hot water, a first duct having a first flow rate and arranged for injecting water or steam at a first temperature into the chamber, a second duct having a second flow rate and arranged for injecting water at a second temperature into the chamber. According to the invention, the device further comprises first interception means (21) applied to the first duct (12) and arranged for supplying a first certain amount of water on the basis of the first flow rate by intercepting or not intercepting water injection by respective first time periods of interception or not interception in a certain time interval and second interception means (31) applied to the second duct (13) and arranged for supplying a second amount of water, calculated on the basis of the second flow rate, by intercepting or not intercepting the water injection by respective second time periods of interception or not interception in the certain time interval. The invention relates also to a method for supplying hot water with a device for a coffee machine, to a computer program product loadable in the memory of a computer for realising the method according to the invention and to a coffee machine that comprises the device.