Espresso coffee machine with system for cleaning the coffee dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Espresso coffee machines face issues with clogging and alteration of organoleptic properties due to small coffee particles rising back into the dispensing and discharging systems during the brewing process, leading to maintenance challenges and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam cleaning system that utilizes steam from the machine's boiler to efficiently clean the dispensing and discharging components, including the screen and duct, to prevent particle buildup and maintain system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the screen and dispensing system are left in place during and after dispensing, then the machine can operate continuously without disassembly, but coffee particles accumulate and block the system requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary cleaning action by providing a water flow path that rinses the screen and dispensing system immediately after dispensing. The water flow channel directs water through the screen and dispensing system to remove coffee particles before they can accumulate and cause blockages, enabling continuous operation without frequent disassembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning mechanism where the machine cleans itself automatically through an integrated water flow system. The water flow path and cleaning water inlet allow the dispensing system to rinse and clean the screen and internal components automatically during or after the dispensing cycle, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by operators
2Reliability
If the screen is disassembled for cleaning after each use, then coffee particles are removed effectively, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary cleaning action by providing a water flow path that rinses the screen and dispensing system immediately after dispensing. The water flow channel directs water through the screen and dispensing system to remove coffee particles before they can accumulate and cause blockages, enabling continuous operation without frequent disassembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning mechanism where the machine cleans itself automatically through an integrated water flow system. The water flow path and cleaning water inlet allow the dispensing system to rinse and clean the screen and internal components automatically during or after the dispensing cycle, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by operators
3Device complexity
If coffee particles remain in the dispensing system, then the machine structure remains intact without disassembly, but the organoleptic properties of subsequent espresso are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary cleaning action by providing a water flow path that rinses the screen and dispensing system immediately after dispensing. The water flow channel directs water through the screen and dispensing system to remove coffee particles before they can accumulate and cause blockages, enabling continuous operation without frequent disassembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning mechanism where the machine cleans itself automatically through an integrated water flow system. The water flow path and cleaning water inlet allow the dispensing system to rinse and clean the screen and internal components automatically during or after the dispensing cycle, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by operators
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 steam cleaning system effectively removes used coffee particles, reducing maintenance needs, preserving the organoleptic quality of espresso, and ensuring consistent water flow and discharging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a system for supplying steam to said dispensing group so as to perform cleaning of at least a part of said dispensing system
Implementation Method 2
The steam cleaning system effectively removes used coffee particles, reducing maintenance needs, preserving the organoleptic quality of espresso
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
An espresso coffee machine is described, said machine comprising a pump (1) for pumping water, a dispensing group (25) configured to cooperate with a portafilter (35), wherein said portafilter (35) is configured to support a filter (40) loaded with coffee powder, a coffee boiler (15) in fluid communication with said dispensing group (25), a water dispensing system (16, 28, 29, 30) for supplying hot water from said coffee boiler (15) to said portafilter; and a system (16, 31, 6, 33, 14) for supplying steam to said dispensing group (25) so as to perform cleaning of at least a part of said water dispensing system (16, 28, 29, 30).