Espresso coffee machine with improved system for regulating the temperature of the water and method for regulating the temperature of the water in an espresso coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee machines lack precision in maintaining water temperature due to factors like frequency of use, machine structure, and environmental conditions, leading to inconsistent beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a processor-controlled temperature regulation system that adjusts the water temperature in the coffee boiler based on time since last use, component temperatures, and environmental factors, using a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller to maintain a set reference temperature, ensuring consistent water temperature delivery to the coffee powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a closed loop regulating system with temperature sensor and heating element is used, then the temperature stability is improved, but the precision is insufficient due to frequency of use and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting the required heating power before water is actually heated, based on the operational state (frequency of use) and environmental conditions. This allows the controller to proactively adjust the heating element's power to compensate for anticipated temperature variations, rather than merely reacting to temperature sensor readings after deviations occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the heating power based on real-time detection of operational state changes (such as frequency of use) and environmental conditions. The controller modifies heating parameters adaptively, transitioning from static temperature maintenance to dynamic temperature control that responds to changing conditions, thereby improving both stability and precision.
2Reliability
If the machine is used continuously, then the water temperature remains constant and predictable, but during periods of inactivity or sporadic use, the temperature varies considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the operational state (continuous vs. sporadic use) in advance and preliminarily adjusts the heating strategy accordingly. For sporadic use patterns, the system anticipates larger temperature deviations and pre-adjusts heating power or timing, ensuring temperature consistency regardless of usage frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor both temperature and operational state (frequency of use). This dual feedback allows the controller to distinguish between temperature variations caused by normal operation versus those caused by changes in usage patterns, and adjust heating power accordingly to maintain consistent water temperature across different operational scenarios.
3Temperature
If the water flow path includes contact with metallic or non-metallic parts, then heat transfer occurs, but the temperature reaching the coffee powder becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the water flow path characteristics and contact materials before water heating occurs. Based on this detection, the controller preliminarily calculates the expected heat transfer losses and compensates by adjusting the target temperature or heating power, ensuring accurate temperature control despite heat exchange with surrounding components.
4Device complexity
If environmental factors are not considered, then the control system is simpler, but the temperature precision is affected by room temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily detects environmental conditions (such as room temperature) before water heating begins. Based on this environmental detection, the controller pre-adjusts the heating parameters to compensate for environmental heat exchange, thereby maintaining temperature precision without requiring complex real-time environmental compensation mechanisms during operation.
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 achieves high repeatability and uniformity in beverage quality by dynamically adjusting the water temperature, compensating for variations caused by machine usage frequency and environmental conditions, ensuring the water reaches the coffee powder at a predefined temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The water necessary for percolation of the coffee is usually heated by means of direct or indirect contact thereof with a heating element, normally an electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water in the coffee boiler
Implementation Method 3
the water, along its flow path (from the moment it has been heated until the moment it reaches the puck of coffee powder) comes into contact with metallic (or non-metallic) parts to which it releases heat or, on some occasions, from which it receives heat
Data Source
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AI summary
An espresso coffee machine is described, said machine comprising: a dispensing group and a corresponding coffee boiler containing water under pressure; a heater device for heating the water in the coffee boiler; a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water in the coffee boiler; a processor connected to said sensor and configured to drive said heater device so that the water in the coffee boiler is at a set reference temperature, wherein said processor comprises a feedback system; and wherein the value of said set reference temperature is varied as a function of at least one of the following parameters: (a) a first parameter which is a function of the time elapsed from an operating cycle of the machine or a frequency of use of the machine within a time interval; (b) a second parameter which is a function of the temperature of a component of the machine; and (c) a third parameter which is a function of the environment.