Film Heating Unit for Coffee Machines to Improve Heating Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine heating devices suffer from low heating efficiency due to a small contact area between the heating tube and the water channel, significant heat loss, and difficulty in accurately controlling water temperature, as they rely on resistance heating coils with poor fitment and slow heat generation and dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A heat generating assembly featuring a sheet-shaped heating film with a U-shaped contour, placed within a protective cover, forming a liquid channel with a large contact area, and an exhaust passage to prevent air blockage, allowing for efficient and uniform heating and precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a tubular heating unit with resistance heating coil is used, then the heating device can heat water flowing through it, but the contact area between heating tube and water channel is small resulting in low heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid tubular heating unit with a flexible heating film that can conformally contact the water channel. The heating film is made of flexible material that allows it to adapt to the contours of the water channel, maximizing the contact area between the heating element and the water flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional tubular heating element to a two-dimensional heating film that can spread across the water channel surface. This dimensional change allows the heating element to cover a much larger area of the water channel, significantly increasing the contact area for heat transfer.
2Loss of energy
If a tubular heating unit is used, then heating function is provided, but heat loss is large due to radiation from parts not in contact with water channel
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible heating film can be precisely shaped to match the water channel geometry, ensuring that all or nearly all of the heating surface is in direct contact with the water channel. This eliminates exposed heating surfaces that would otherwise radiate heat to the surrounding air, significantly reducing heat loss.
3Measurement precision
If a tubular heating unit with slow heat generation and dissipation is used, then heating function is provided, but temperature control of hot water is not accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating film has inherently lower thermal mass compared to a tubular heating unit, allowing it to heat up and cool down much faster. This rapid response characteristic enables precise temperature control by quickly adjusting the heating output to match the desired water temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional heating film provides a larger surface area to volume ratio compared to the tubular heater, which enhances heat dissipation efficiency. This allows the heating element to rapidly adjust its temperature in response to control signals, improving temperature control precision.
4Productivity
If heating film with large contact area is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but air blockage may occur in the water inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an exhaust passage as an intermediary channel that allows air to be discharged from the water inlet area. This exhaust passage works in conjunction with the heating film, providing a dedicated path for air escape that does not interfere with the heating function or water flow.
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 film heating technology enhances heating efficiency, allows for rapid temperature control, and prevents air blockage, ensuring consistent water flow and reducing the risk of dry burning, while the recessed design prevents excessive water storage for accurate temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
the heating film is placed in the protective cover and capable of generating heat upon energization to heat water flowing through the heat generating body
Data Source
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AI summary
A heating unit, aiming to solve the problem in the related art, for example, low heating efficiency of the heating unit of a coffee machine. The heating unit comprises a water inlet, a water outlet, and a heating body provided between the water inlet and the water outlet; the heating body is provided with a heating film (132) and a heating film bottom cover (131); the heating film (132) is capable of heating when energized so as to heat liquid flowing through the heating body. The heating unit uses film-type heating technology, and therefore, the heating efficiency is high and accurate control of temperature can be realized.