Espresso Hot-Water Supply Group with Winding Heating Path for Stable Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for preparing beverages, such as espresso, face challenges in consistently and efficiently supplying hot water at a desired temperature, often resulting in unstable and unpredictable water flow due to issues like limescale encrustations and incomplete path emptying.
Innovation Solution
A hot water supplying group with a winding heating path and a temperature probe positioned inside the inner core, which detects the temperature of the water near the outlet, ensuring precise temperature control and minimizing the impact of limescale, along with a solenoid valve and preheating system for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature probe is placed in direct contact with water for temperature detection, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the probe is affected by limescale encrustations reducing its efficiency and duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the temperature probe detects temperature through the wall of the winding path rather than direct contact with water. The wall acts as a mediator that transmits thermal energy from the water to the probe, enabling accurate temperature detection while preventing limescale encrustation on the probe surface.
2Speed
If water flows through a straight path for heating, then heating speed is improved, but temperature stability and predictability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a winding path with helical curvature instead of a straight path. This curved configuration increases the surface area contact between water and heating element, improves water circulation patterns, and ensures more uniform heat distribution throughout the water flow, resulting in both rapid heating and stable temperature control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heating path is emptied completely between uses, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to rapidly supply heated water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a residual amount of heated water in the winding path between uses, rather than completely emptying it. This preliminary retention of heated water allows for immediate supply when needed, reducing wait time and improving productivity, while the amount retained is optimized to minimize energy 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 solution enables rapid, stable, and predictable water heating to a desired temperature, improving the efficiency and longevity of the temperature probe while ensuring precise temperature detection and reduced limescale formation, enhancing the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating path, which comprises an inlet for receiving water from the outlet of said accumulation chamber and an outlet for dispensing heated water into a brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
the inner core comprises a temperature probe for detecting a temperature of the heated water
Implementation Method 3
said heating path comprises a path bounded by a heatable outer surface and an inner core
Data Source
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AI summary
A group (6) for supplying hot water in a machine for preparing and dispensing a beverage, for example espresso coffee, comprising: a water accumulation chamber (14) with an inlet (11) for receiving water and an outlet (12); and a heating path (9, 13). The heating path comprises an inlet for receiving water from the outlet (12) of the accumulation chamber (14) and an outlet (15) for dispensing heated water into a brewing chamber (16) for preparing a beverage. The heating path comprises a path bounded by a heatable outer surface (13) and an inner core (9). The inner core (9) comprises a temperature probe (8) located in proximity of the outlet (15) for dispensing heated water.