Dispensing group for an espresso coffee machine with frontal insertion of the filter holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for engaging and disengaging filter holders in espresso coffee machines are unnatural, awkward, and require significant effort, with known solutions being bulky, complicated, and costly, and increasing preparation time.
Innovation Solution
A filter-holder support system that uses a combination of translational and rotational movements, with a mechanical locking device and heat conduction to preheat the filter holder, reducing thermal shock and power consumption, and featuring an elastic member for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screwing movement is used to engage the filter holder, then the filter holder can be securely locked with the dispensing group, but the engaging and disengaging movements become unnatural and awkward requiring significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional screwing mechanism by using a frontal insertion system where the filter holder is pushed directly into the dispensing group without rotational movement. The locking is achieved through complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses) that engage automatically upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual rotation and reducing operational effort while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotational screwing action from the engagement process, retaining only the essential function of secure locking. By separating the insertion movement from the locking mechanism, the system achieves reliable engagement through simple translational motion, making the operation more natural and less physically demanding.
2Reliability
If traditional engaging systems are used, then the filter holder can be locked securely, but the system becomes bulky and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the traditional screwing system. By using a direct frontal insertion mechanism with geometric locking features, the design removes complex threaded structures, rotation joints, and multiple locking elements, resulting in a simpler, more compact system that maintains secure locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the filter holder the active element that inserts itself frontally into the dispensing group, rather than using a rotational screwing mechanism. This inversion simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for complex engagement mechanisms while ensuring reliable locking through precise geometric fitting.
3Device complexity
If the filter holder is not preheated, then the system is simpler, but thermal shock occurs and coffee quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing filter holder structure by integrating a heating element directly into the filter holder body. This combination allows the filter holder to be preheated during the engagement process without requiring a separate heating system, thereby eliminating thermal shock to the coffee powder while maintaining system simplicity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating action by preheating the filter holder before it comes into contact with the coffee powder. The heating element activates during the insertion sequence, ensuring the filter holder reaches the appropriate temperature before brewing begins, thus preventing thermal shock and preserving coffee quality without adding complex post-insertion heating mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional heating sources are used to preheat the filter holder, then thermal shock is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the main heating boiler system, using the same thermal energy source that heats the water for brewing. By integrating the filter holder heating element with the existing boiler infrastructure, the system preheats the filter holder using waste or excess thermal energy, thereby reducing thermal shock to coffee powder without significantly increasing overall power consumption.
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 system improves the efficiency and practicality of connecting the filter holder, reduces effort required for engagement and disengagement, enhances coffee quality by preheating the filter holder, and eliminates the need for additional heating sources, ensuring user safety and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
reducing thermal shock and power consumption
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
AI summary
A dispensing group for an espresso coffee machine is described. The group comprises: a coffee boiler configured to contain pressurized hot water; a supply duct for feeding hot water under pressure towards a puck of coffee powder; and a filter-holder support comprising guides (30) which form at least one sliding surface for slidably supporting a filter holder, wherein said filter-holder support is rotatable between a first position for inserting the filter holder and a second dispensing position and wherein said dispensing group comprises a mechanical locking device for locking the filter-holder support in the second dispensing position.