Process for improving the uniformity of concentration of espresso coffee in an espresso coffee machine and associated espresso coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current espresso coffee machines cannot accurately maintain a constant ratio of solvent to solute due to variations in coffee powder amount, grinding fineness, and pressing, which affects the concentration of the espresso, as they start dispensing water without accounting for the volume of the empty space above the coffee puck.
Innovation Solution
The espresso coffee machine detects variations in parameters such as flow, pressure, or weight to determine when the pre-infusion chamber and hydraulic circuit are filled, allowing the dispensing process to begin only after this point, ensuring that the initial water used to fill these spaces is not included in the brew ratio calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine starts dispensing water immediately after the infusion command is given, then the dispensing process is simple and fast, but the concentration of espresso coffee varies because the initial water fills the empty space above the coffee puck instead of contributing to the brew
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary detection of the empty space volume above the coffee puck before the main dispensing process. This preliminary action allows the control unit to calculate and compensate for the water volume that will be used to fill the empty space, ensuring that the subsequent dispensing delivers the correct amount of water for brewing with consistent concentration.
2Manufacturing precision
If the machine accounts for the empty space volume above the coffee puck, then the concentration uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pump and flow meter already present in the espresso machine to detect the filling of the empty space. The control unit leverages data from these existing components to calculate the empty space volume, eliminating the need for additional specialized sensors or measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter and pump are used for multiple purposes: both for the main water dispensing function and for detecting the empty space filling. This multi-functionality allows the system to gain concentration precision without adding dedicated detection hardware.
3Ease of operation
If the machine uses a fixed water volume for all dispenses, then the operation is simple, but the concentration varies when the empty space volume changes due to different coffee powder amounts or packing densities
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the water volume calculation based on the detected empty space filling. Instead of using a fixed predetermined volume, the control unit modifies the water quantity delivered by the pump according to the actual empty space volume detected during each dispensing cycle, maintaining concentration consistency despite variations in coffee preparation.
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
This approach ensures a more consistent concentration of espresso by accurately determining the volume of water used for infusion, reducing variations in coffee concentration based on coffee powder amount and grinding fineness, and improving the overall quality of the beverage.
Implementation Method 1
the flow meter detects the filling of the pre-infusion chamber and of the hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensor detects the filling of the pre-infusion chamber and of the hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 3
a high-pressure and high-temperature water flow is made to pass through a puck of ground coffee
Implementation Method 4
a high-pressure and high-temperature water flow is made to pass through a puck of ground coffee
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for the preparation and dispensing of espresso coffee comprises: a coffee boiler, a filter holder with a filter for a pressed coffee powder puck, and a pre-infusion chamber and a hydraulic circuit for transporting pressurized water from the coffee boiler to the pre-infusion chamber. The machine further comprises a device for detecting a parameter indicative of the filling of the pre-infusion chamber and of the hydraulic circuit so that the step of dispensing of an espresso coffee can be started on the basis of the detected filling parameter.