Infusion Beverage Solenoid Valve for Compact Brewing Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for dispensing infusion beverages, such as coffee makers, require complex and expensive dynamic brewing pressure regulation systems involving proportional valves, pressure transducers, and control boards, making them bulky and costly due to the need for feedback control.
Innovation Solution
A machine using a flow adjustment solenoid valve that integrates flow regulation means, allowing for pressure and speed control of the infusion fluid without additional components like pressure transducers or control boards, operating in 'low flow' and 'full flow' configurations to manage the brewing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dynamic brewing pressure regulation system with proportional valve, control board, and pressure transducer is used, then pressure control accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressure transducer and control board from the system, extracting only the essential proportional valve component. The flow adjustment solenoid valve integrates the functions of pressure regulation and flow control into a single component, eliminating the need for separate measurement and control elements while maintaining pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the proportional valve, pressure transducer, and control board into a single integrated flow adjustment solenoid valve. This merging of components simplifies the system architecture while preserving the essential pressure and flow regulation functions needed for brewing control.
2Measurement precision
If a dynamic brewing pressure regulation system with multiple components is used, then pressure control accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single flow adjustment solenoid valve component, significantly reducing the physical space required for the pressure control system. The solenoid valve housing contains all necessary elements in a compact arrangement, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces for transducers and control boards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the flow adjustment mechanism is housed within the solenoid valve body, and internal components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner. The valve internals are nested within the valve housing, maximizing functional density while minimizing overall device volume.
3Measurement precision
If a dynamic brewing pressure regulation system with feedback control is used, then pressure control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive pressure transducer and control board components from the system, extracting only the essential flow adjustment function. This elimination of high-cost electronic components significantly reduces manufacturing expenses while maintaining adequate pressure control through the solenoid valve's inherent flow-regulating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electronic control components with a more economical solenoid valve design that achieves pressure control through mechanical and electromagnetic principles rather than complex electronic feedback. This substitution with a simpler, more affordable component achieves the desired function at lower cost.
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 machine achieves economical and compact pressure control, enabling versatile operation across different phases of infusion without the need for additional control elements, thus reducing costs and size while maintaining effective brewing performance.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve (4) configurable in a closing configuration, in which the shutter (40) occludes the passage of the infusion fluid from the pump group (2) to the dispensing group (3), and in a complete opening configuration, in which the shutter (40) is fully raised so that the infusion fluid may reach the dispensing group (3)
Implementation Method 2
flow adjustment means (5) suitable for regulating the flow rate of the infusion fluid from the pump group (2) to the dispensing group (3) when the solenoid valve (4) is arranged in an intermediate opening configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for dispensing an infusion beverage having a pump group, a dispensing group and a flow adjustment solenoid valve is provided. The flow adjustment solenoid valve, fluidly interposed between the pump group and the dispensing group, is suitable for controlling a flow rate of an infusion fluid by use of a shutter, and is configurable in a closing configuration, in which the pump group is inactive and the shutter occludes passage of the infusion fluid, and in a complete opening configuration, in which the pump group is operational and the shutter is fully lifted. Flow adjustment elements regulate the passage of the infusion fluid. Between the closing configuration and the complete opening configuration, the flow adjustment solenoid valve is arranged in an intermediate opening configuration, in which the pump group is operational and the flow adjustment elements allow partial raising of the shutter.