Fuel Cell Coffee Machine for Cord-Free Autonomous Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee machines require connection to an electricity supply or external energy accumulators, limiting their autonomy and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The machine integrates an electric feed unit with energy generation and accumulation means, including a fuel cell using alcohol as a fuel source, allowing it to operate independently without external energy sources and maintaining a long-lasting power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the machine is connected to an electricity supply network or external accumulators, then it can function reliably, but it loses autonomy and requires bulky connection cables
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is equipped with an integrated fuel cell that generates its own electrical energy from alcohol fuel, allowing it to serve its own energy needs without external power sources. The fuel cell converts chemical energy from alcohol directly into electrical energy, enabling the machine to operate autonomously in any location without requiring connection to electricity supply networks or external accumulators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external accumulators are used to power the machine, then it can operate without continuous external power, but it requires bulky accumulators and loses portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical energy storage system (bulky external accumulators) with a chemical energy conversion system (fuel cell). Instead of storing large amounts of electrical energy in heavy accumulators, the machine uses a fuel cell to continuously convert chemical energy from alcohol fuel into electrical energy, achieving the same goal of independent operation without the weight and bulk of large accumulators.
3Use of energy by moving object
If connection cables are used to supply power, then the machine can receive continuous energy, but it becomes less portable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the external power connection system (cables and power sources) from the machine's operation. By integrating a fuel cell that generates power internally from alcohol fuel, the machine no longer requires external power connections, eliminating the complexity and portability issues associated with connection cables while maintaining continuous energy supply through onboard fuel storage.
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
This solution enables the machine to produce a variety of drinks autonomously, preserving aroma and organoleptic qualities, and eliminating the need for bulky cables, ensuring reliable operation even without external power.
Implementation Method 1
the generation means comprises at least a fuel cell able to produce mainly electric energy
Implementation Method 2
the fuel cell is able to be fed by means of an alcohol-based compound comprising at least an alcohol having the formula C n H 2n+2 O
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A machine (10) for the production of drinks, such as coffee, tea or other, by means of a base component, comprises an extraction unit (11) to extract the base component by means of hot water or steam, to produce the drink. The machine (10) also comprises a first supply unit (12) of the base component, to supply the extraction unit (11), a second supply unit (13) to generate the hot water or steam, and to supply them to the extraction unit (11) and an electric feed unit (14) that supplies energy for the functioning of the second supply unit (13). The electric feed unit (14) comprises energy generation means (15) and energy accumulation means (16).