Filter Holder Valve Actuation for Programmable Coffee Extraction Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine filter holders lack automatic control over the valve, leading to unintentional prolonged contact time of hot water with ground coffee, which can result in coffee with absorbed bitter substances.
Innovation Solution
A filter holder with a valve actuated by a linear actuator, allowing for programmable control of the extraction liquid's contact time, featuring a bistable solenoid or other actuator types for precise control and a compact design with a tubular channel for hygienic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical lever system is used to open the valve when a container is inserted, then the valve can be opened reliably, but the extraction time cannot be controlled automatically and unintentional run-on cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever system with an electromagnetic solenoid actuator that controls the valve through electrical signals. This allows automatic control of the valve based on sensor inputs, time intervals, or program sequences, eliminating the need for manual container insertion to trigger valve opening while maintaining reliable valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when a container is present and trigger the extraction process without manual intervention. The control unit automatically manages the solenoid activation and deactivation based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to serve itself by eliminating the need for user-operated mechanical levers.
2Productivity
If the valve remains open as long as the container is under the filter holder, then continuous dispensing is achieved, but prolonged contact time causes bitter substances to be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that provide feedback to the control unit about container presence and extraction status. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically deactivate the solenoid and close the valve after the optimal extraction time has elapsed, preventing over-extraction and bitter flavor development while maintaining efficient productivity through automated timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic control of the valve through timed activation and deactivation of the solenoid. The valve is opened for a specific extraction period and then automatically closed, creating a controlled periodic action that ensures optimal contact time between water and coffee grounds, preventing prolonged exposure that would cause bitter substance absorption.
3Volume of moving object
If a linear actuator with curved guide is used to deflect movement, then a compact structure is obtained, but the valve movement direction must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a curved guide within the solenoid actuator assembly that redirects the linear movement of the plunger into the required valve actuation direction. This curved geometric path allows compact packaging of the actuator components while maintaining precise valve positioning through the controlled curvature of the guide, achieving both space efficiency and manufacturing precision.
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 precise control over the extraction process, preventing excessive liquid escape and ensuring consistent coffee quality by automatically closing the valve post-extraction, reducing bitter flavors.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid (5) comprises a movable plunger (6)
Implementation Method 2
The tube (8) can be at least partially made of an elastic material. This can ensure a reliable seal at the ends of the tube. In addition, the tube can compensate for movement of the valve during opening or closing
Data Source
AI summary
A filter holder for receiving a filter with extraction material, in particular ground coffee, has a receptacle portion having a bottom and at least one bottom-side flow-through opening on which a valve for opening and closing the flow-through opening is arranged. The valve can be moved by means of a linear actuator and can thus be controlled to set the brewing time. Further provided is a coffee machine having such a filter holder.