Infusion Unit Washing Channel for Accessory-Free Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with infusion units require inconvenient and easily lost washing accessories for cleaning the beverage dispensing circuit, and the hydraulic closure systems for infusion chambers are complex and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The infusion unit integrates a washing member that can be positioned between the hot water dispensing device and the beverage outlet nozzle, allowing for a simplified washing cycle without the need for a special washing accessory, and uses a moving element with a cylindrical body and elastic constraint for easy movement and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual washing accessory (mock capsule) is provided for cleaning the beverage dispensing circuit, then the washing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the accessory is easily lost due to its small dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The washing member is integrated into the moving element/drawer structure, combining the washing function with the existing capsule handling mechanism. This eliminates the need for a separate mock capsule accessory and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable washing functionality through the built-in washing member with conduit and seal
2Reliability
If a hydraulic closure system with cylinder/piston actuator is used for closing the infusion chamber, then the infusion chamber sealing is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hydraulic closure system with cylinder/piston actuator is removed and replaced with a simplified sealing mechanism. The invention extracts only the essential sealing function needed, implementing it through a seal on the washing member that contacts the beverage outlet nozzle, eliminating the expensive hydraulic components while maintaining adequate sealing for the washing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive, complex hydraulic closure system with a simpler, more economical sealing solution using basic sealing elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the necessary sealing function for the washing cycle
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 simplifies the washing process, reduces the risk of losing washing accessories, and lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the complexity of hydraulic closure systems, while maintaining effective cleaning of the beverage dispensing circuit.
Implementation Method 1
the washing member is constrained to the moving element, to move therewith, under the thrust of an elastic member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The infusion unit (3) comprises a moving element (9) with a seat (15) for the ingredients for making sad beverages, shifting from a position for charging the ingredients to an infusion position, wherein the seat (15) is between a hot water dispensing device (41) and a beverage outlet nozzle (35) opposite one another. The moving element (9) is integral to a washing member (19) which through the movement of the moving element may be positioned between the hot water dispensing device and the beverage outlet nozzle for forming a washing channel, wherethrough the water dispensed by the hot water dispensing device flows towards the beverage outlet nozzle.