Espresso Filter-Holder Sensing Layout for Accurate Pressure and Temperature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee machine measurement systems have significant errors in detecting water temperature and pressure due to probe positioning issues, vulnerability to external vibrations and impurities, and structural complexity that hinders accurate readings and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a filter-holder body and reading means, including a thermocouple probe positioned in the water stagnation zone for accurate temperature measurement and a pressure gauge in the outlet duct to avoid vibrations and impurities, along with filtering means to ensure cleanliness and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature probe is positioned in the water duct upstream of the leaching chamber, then the temperature reading is obtained at the nozzle outlet, but the temperature measurement is inaccurate because it does not reflect the actual temperature during infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermocouple probe as an intermediary measurement device that is positioned in the water stagnation zone within the leaching chamber. This intermediary positioning allows accurate temperature measurement of the water actually used for infusion, rather than measuring upstream in the duct where temperature differs from the actual infusion temperature.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure gauge is positioned at the leaching chamber integrated with the handle, then the pressure value is detected during extraction, but the measurement is distorted by external vibrations and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure gauge from its conventional position at the leaching chamber handle and relocates it to the outlet duct. This extraction removes the pressure measurement device from the harmful environment of vibrations and impurities in the leaching chamber, while still allowing accurate pressure measurement of the water flow during extraction.
3Measurement precision
If the filter-holder structure integrates the measurement systems, then temperature and pressure can be detected during setting, but the structural complexity hinders maintenance and cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into separate, modular components: the thermocouple probe, the pressure gauge, and the filter-holder body. This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed, removed, and cleaned. The outlet duct where the pressure gauge is mounted can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning, eliminating the problem of trapped impurities that would interfere with measurements.
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 apparatus provides highly accurate and real-time measurements of water temperature and pressure during espresso extraction, ensuring optimal coffee quality and simplifying maintenance and cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
reading means for the pressure and temperature values of the water passing from the chamber (5) to the outlet duct (8); said reading means comprising at least one pressure reading device (16) operatively engaged to the outlet duct (8) and at least one temperature reading device (17) operatively engaged at the cavity (7)
Implementation Method 2
said reading means comprising at least one pressure reading device (16) operatively engaged to the outlet duct (8)
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for measuring the operating parameters of espresso coffee machines, including: a filter-holder body configured to be associated with a water dispensing nozzle of an espresso coffee machine; said body internally defining a chamber for the passage of the water dispensed by said nozzle; a filling element arranged in said chamber and having a cavity for the passage of the water dispensed by the nozzle towards an outlet duct; a water outlet terminal element associated with said filter-holder body downstream of said chamber and defining said water outlet duct; and reading means for the water pressure and temperature values passing from the chamber to the outlet duct; said reading means include at least one pressure reading device operatively engaged with said water outlet terminal element and at least one temperature reading device operatively engaged at said cavity obtained in the filling element.