Injection unit having a resilient suspension device for the group head of a so-called espresso coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional espresso coffee machines require significant clamping effort to achieve a seal, leading to seal wear and deformation, increased maintenance, and interference between adjacent portafilter handles due to progressive pivoting travel lengthening, necessitating frequent adjustments and seal replacements.
Innovation Solution
A resilient suspension device connects the group head to the injection unit, allowing a distancing travel that forms a dynamic sliding seal with the filter basket, reducing clamping force requirements and maintaining consistent handle position while accommodating varying coffee grounds volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient clamping effort is applied to achieve the necessary seal, then sealing is ensured, but the seal becomes worn and deformed with use, requiring frequent replacement and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a resilient suspension device that allows the group head to move dynamically during the pivoting operation. The group head is suspended by resilient means (such as springs) that allow it to move closer to the distributor during engagement, automatically compensating for variations in filter basket height and ensuring consistent seal contact without excessive clamping force, thereby extending seal life while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient suspension device changes the positional parameter of the group head dynamically during operation. By allowing the group head to move closer to the distributor through resilient compression, the system adapts to varying filter basket heights and maintains optimal seal contact pressure without requiring high static clamping force, thus reducing seal wear while ensuring reliable sealing
2Reliability
If high clamping effort is used to ensure sealing, then seal contact is achieved, but the pivoting travel lengthens progressively, causing handle interference and requiring adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient suspension device enables the group head to move dynamically during engagement. As the filter basket is inserted, the group head automatically moves closer to the distributor through resilient compression, maintaining consistent seal contact regardless of filter basket height variations. This dynamic adjustment prevents progressive travel lengthening and keeps handle positions consistent, avoiding interference and eliminating the need for adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient suspension device provides automatic self-adjustment during the pivoting operation. The group head automatically compensates for filter basket height variations through resilient compression, ensuring consistent seal contact and handle position without requiring external intervention or adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable sealing
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 eliminates seal wear, reduces maintenance, and allows for easy handling and adjustment, ensuring consistent sealing and automatic absorption of coffee grounds volume variations without affecting coffee quality.
Implementation Method 1
the group head is fixed to the fixed upper mechanical unit of the injection unit by a resilient-effect connecting device that affords the group head a distancing travel with respect to the fixed upper mechanical unit
Implementation Method 2
the seal surrounding the central projection bears against the upper interior periphery of the filter basket to form a dynamic sliding seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an injection unit (1) for an espresso coffee machine including a stationary mechanical upper block (2) having a central projection (4) which forms a hot-water dispenser (7) and to which a removable portion, referred to as the group head (8), is attached, the inner surface of the group head having a cavity (22) in which the portafilter (9) is mounted, said portafilter comprising an operating handle (10) and a recess for holding a basket (11) containing the coffee grounds for preparing espresso coffee, characterized in that the group head (8) is attached to the mechanical block (2) of the injection unit (1) via a linking device having a resilient effect, and in that the seal (23) surrounding the dispenser (7) engages with the inner periphery of the basket (11). The invention is useful for manufacturers of espresso coffee machines.