Infusion Beverage Machine Flow Control to Reduce Hydraulic Turbulence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for dispensing infusion beverages experience turbulence in the hydraulic circuit during low-flow mode, leading to malfunctions of components such as the solenoid valve.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a flow adjustment solenoid valve and an electronic control unit that dynamically adjusts the infusion fluid pressure and flow, incorporating a proportional valve and pressure transducer to maintain optimal hydraulic circuit functioning and prevent turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine operates in low-flow mode with the solenoid valve in intermediate configuration, then the desired pressure and flow profile is achieved for beverage extraction, but turbulence arises in the hydraulic circuit causing malfunctions of components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary opening of the solenoid valve to completely open configuration before entering low-flow mode, and maintains this open state during transitions. This preliminary action prepares the hydraulic circuit by establishing stable flow conditions before the low-flow extraction phase begins, preventing turbulence from occurring during mode transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve operates with periodic switching between complete opening and intermediate configurations. During low-flow mode, the valve periodically opens completely to reset hydraulic pressure and eliminate turbulence, then returns to intermediate position for controlled extraction. This periodic complete opening prevents cumulative turbulence effects that would otherwise cause component malfunctions
2Ease of operation
If the solenoid valve is deactivated to allow pressure-driven flow adjustment, then the low-flow function is achieved, but the shutter may partially raise causing reduced flow rate and potential turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control where the solenoid valve state is continuously monitored and adjusted based on hydraulic circuit conditions. When transitioning to low-flow mode, the valve is commanded to complete opening position to establish stable baseline flow, then modulated to intermediate position with feedback ensuring smooth transitions that prevent turbulence and maintain circuit stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the solenoid valve by switching between distinct configurations (complete opening, intermediate, closed) rather than allowing partial positions. This discrete parameter change approach ensures the valve settles into stable positions, preventing the shutter from hovering in intermediate states that would cause turbulence and reliability issues
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 ensures smooth operation of the hydraulic circuit by controlling pressure and flow profiles, preventing component malfunctions and ensuring uniform beverage extraction with customizable flavor profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a flow adjustment solenoid valve (4) operable for switching between a configuration of complete opening to allow the maximum passage of infusion fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump group (2), for example a rotary pump, suitable for pumping an infusion fluid contained in a reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a pressure transducer to detect the pressure of the infusion fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine (1) for dispensing an infusion beverage, which machine comprises a pump group (2), a dispensing group (3), a flow adjustment solenoid valve (4), and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is programmed to execute a low-flow phase, wherein the pump group is activated and, substantially simultaneously, the solenoid valve is commanded so as to switch into the open configuration, and wherein, after a predetermined time interval, the solenoid valve is commanded so as to pass into the intermediate configuration until the end of the low-flow phase, while the pump group remains active.