Proportional Emulsion Valve for Fine, Persistent Coffee Cream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proportional valves for fluid treatment machines, such as espresso coffee machines, fail to achieve optimal creaminess by generating cream with large air bubbles, which degrade quickly, and lack precise control over opening and closing pressures.
Innovation Solution
A proportional emulsion valve with a slider and actuating mechanism using a shape memory alloy, controlled by an electric current, allows for precise adjustment of the valve's opening and closing, ensuring a fine texture and persistent cream by dynamically controlling the fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical passive valve is used to block water flow during brewing phase, then the initial brewing phase can be achieved, but the opening time cannot be precisely controlled and the dispensing pressure cannot be simultaneously controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical passive valve with an electromechanical proportional valve that uses an electric motor to drive a piston, enabling precise electronic control of opening time and pressure rather than relying on spring force balance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic control system where the proportional valve can adjust opening time and pressure in real-time based on programmed parameters, transforming the static mechanical valve into a dynamically controllable system
2Productivity
If coffee exits the valve at high pressure, then the beverage can be delivered, but the cream generated has large air bubbles that degrade rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillation of the proportional valve between opening and closing positions during beverage delivery, creating rhythmic pressure variations that generate fine air bubbles and improve cream stability rather than continuous high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration through rapid valve oscillation to emulsify the beverage and create fine air bubble distribution, transforming the harmful effect of high pressure into beneficial vibration that improves cream quality
3Measurement precision
If the valve passage section is not controlled, then the valve structure is simple, but the dispensing pressure and flow rate cannot be precisely regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system with pressure sensors that monitor the actual pressure and flow rate, comparing them with target values and adjusting the proportional valve accordingly to maintain precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the proportional valve to perform multiple functions including flow control, pressure regulation, and timing control within a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision
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 valve achieves a beverage with fine, persistent cream by oscillating between opening and closing positions, adapting to different pressures, and ensuring precise control over the emulsion quality, enhancing the creaminess and longevity of the coffee.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is moved using an elastic actuator element manufactured with a shape memory material and an electric current generating device, operatively connected to the elastic actuator element in order to modify, in a progressive and modular way, the value of the elastic force exerted on the actuating piston, through a temperature variation induced by the passage of electric current inside the elastic actuator element
Implementation Method 2
an elastic actuator element manufactured with a shape memory material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a proportional emulsion valve (1), configured to be used inside a fluid treatment machine, comprising a main body (2) in which an inlet duct (3) is defined, operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of a fluid treatment machine and configured to allow the entrance into said valve (1) of a fluid at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and an outlet duct (4) operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of the machine and configured for the expulsion of the fluid from the valve (1), the inlet duct (3) and said outlet duct (4) being in fluid communication one another, the valve (1) comprising a slider (7) selectively positionable in an opening position, in which it allows the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4), and being selectively positionable, against the pressure exerted by a fluid when it is contained in the inlet duct (3), in a closing position in which the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4) is interrupted due to direct or indirect action of the slider (7), the slider (7) being operatively connected to an actuating system (9) comprising a driving element (10) configured to selectively exercise on the slider (7) a desired closing force (11) which tends to bring it towards the closing position; the driving element (10) is configured to exert the closing force (11) on the slider (7) through an elastic element (12) interposed between the driving element (10) and the slider (7) and configured to elastically force the slider (7) towards the closing position.