Electrically powered machine for preparing coffee
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Moka-type coffee machines fail to provide precise control over infusion parameters like temperature and pressure, resulting in a low-quality coffee with altered organoleptic properties, and are limited in usage due to high temperatures and requirement for a fixed electrical outlet.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered coffee preparation machine with a boiler, funnel-shaped filter, electronic control system, and air pumping means that allows precise control of temperature, pressure, and water delivery, along with wireless charging and a heat-insulating design for flexible usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature water is used to heat the boiler, then the brewing process is faster, but the organoleptic properties of the coffee are altered and burnt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the heating temperature and time parameters. The microprocessor-controlled heating element adjusts the water temperature to optimal brewing ranges (typically 90-96°C) rather than using high temperature water, and controls the heating duration to prevent burning the coffee grounds while maintaining brewing efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise control of infusion parameters is implemented, then coffee quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with electronic and software-based control. A microprocessor or microcontroller unit (MCU) manages the heating element, water flow, and brewing parameters through software programming, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, valves, and manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving precise parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where sensors monitor temperature, water flow rate, and pressure during brewing, and the microprocessor adjusts the heating element power and water flow in real-time based on this feedback to maintain optimal brewing parameters throughout the process.
3Productivity
If the boiler reaches high temperatures, then brewing efficiency is improved, but the external surface becomes unsafe for handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management by separating the internal heating zone from the external housing. The boiler is thermally isolated from the external surface through insulation materials and structural design, allowing the internal water to reach high brewing temperatures while the external surface remains at safe handling temperatures through thermal barriers.
4Reliability
If a fixed electrical outlet is required, then power supply reliability is improved, but usage flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal power supply capability by incorporating both AC mains power input and rechargeable battery power source. The device can function in fixed locations with reliable AC power or be moved to any location using the battery power source, making the coffee maker adaptable to both stationary and portable usage scenarios without compromising brewing performance.
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 high-quality coffee with precise control over infusion parameters and allows the machine to be used on any surface or in any location, maintaining a safe external temperature and reducing the need for a fixed electrical outlet.
Implementation Method 1
an element (18) for electric heating of the liquid in the boiler (40)
Implementation Method 2
air pumping means (20), preferably inserted in the machine (100), for example inserted in the base (1) or in the boiler (40), and connected with the outside to vary the pressure inside the boiler (40) by introducing or extracting air
Implementation Method 3
the boiler (40) further comprises an insulating structure (48) that prevents the transmission of heat
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (100) for preparing coffee includes a boiler (40) for water in which a funnel-shaped filter (7) configured to contain the coffee is positioned, a collector (15) to collect the drink end that comes out from a collection duct (45), electrical power supply means (3), an element (18) for electric heating of the liquid in the boiler (40), a valve (44) interposed between funnel filter (7) and boiler (40), which can be closed again to allow a pre-set temperature and pressure to be reached inside the boiler (40), before being reopened to bring water and steam from the boiler (40) to the coffee contained in the funnel filter (7), air pumping means (20), an electronic system for controlling water and steam delivery from the boiler (40).