Filter Coffee Machine Pump Design for Flexible Dispensing Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter coffee machines require a gradient from the collection container to the outlet, limiting the height of the beverage container and experiencing reduced dispensing speed as the fill level decreases, due to the absence of a liquid pump for conveying coffee.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid pump that can convey coffee from the collection container to the dispensing device, allowing for adjustable dispensing height and constant delivery rate, with optional control via a control device and design as a gear pump for precise control in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a gradient from the collection container to the outlet is used for coffee flow, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the height of the beverage container is limited and dispensing speed decreases as fill level drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid pump (hydraulic component) into the outlet line to actively convey coffee from the collection container to the dispensing device. This hydraulic solution overcomes the gravitational limitation, enabling the dispensing device to be positioned at any height while maintaining consistent dispensing speed through controlled pump operation, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and dispensing performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dispensing device is arranged higher than the outlet line, then more flexible installation and higher dispensing position are achieved, but coffee cannot flow properly without a pump
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid pump provides active hydraulic propulsion to move coffee against gravity from the collection container to the elevated dispensing device. This ensures reliable coffee flow regardless of the dispensing device height, enabling flexible installation configurations while maintaining flow reliability that passive gravity-based systems cannot achieve
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dispensing device is arranged higher than the outlet line, then new ground in machine construction is broken, but the height restriction from prior art is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid pump system enables the dispensing device to be positioned at any height independent of the collection container position. The pump actively manages coffee flow, eliminating the need for gravitational gradient-based design constraints, thus achieving height adjustment flexibility while the pump integration adds controlled complexity to enable this freedom
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
Enables higher dispensing device placement, maintains consistent dispensing speed regardless of fill level, and facilitates easy cleaning and rinsing of the brewing unit, breaking new ground in coffee machine construction by eliminating previous height and efficiency limitations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Liquid pump(s) for conveying liquid, in particular the caffeinated hot beverage, from the at least one collection container in the direction of the at least one dispensing device
Implementation Method 2
the respective liquid pump can be designed as a gear pump, which is generally inexpensive and can be controlled easily and precisely
Data Source
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AI summary
A coffee machine, in particular a filter coffee machine, for preparing a caffeinated hot beverage, comprising: a boiler (3) for producing hot, in particular boiling, water; a brewing unit installed downstream of the boiler (3), said brewing unit being preferably a coffee filter unit (4); and at least one collection vessel (5, 5') installed downstream of the brewing unit (4), from which collection vessel a prepared caffeinated hot beverage can be conducted, in particular through an outlet conduit (6, 6'), to at least one dispensing device (7, 7') in order to dispense said beverage when the dispensing device is opened, characterised by at least one or more liquid pump(s) (8) for conveying liquid, in particular the caffeinated hot beverage, from the at least one collection vessel (5, 5') towards the at least one dispensing device (7, 7') and/or for conveying liquid in the opposite direction.