Heating device with an integrated thermoblock for a beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid food and beverage preparation machines face challenges in simplifying the integration of heating functions, leading to increased assembly complexity, manufacturing costs, and reduced reliability due to the use of flexible and deformable cables for electrical and fluid connections.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with an integrated thermoblock that eliminates the need for flexible cables by rigidly securing electric components onto a printed circuit board or flex-print, which is then connected to the thermoblock, allowing for automated assembly and reduced human intervention during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible cables are used for electrical and fluid connections in heating devices, then ease of connection is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connections and fluid connections into a single integrated printed circuit board structure. The PCB serves both as an electrical circuit carrier and as a fluid distribution manifold with integrated channels, eliminating the need for separate flexible cables and fluid conduits. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces flexible mechanical cable connections with a rigid printed circuit board structure that provides both electrical and fluid pathways. The PCB uses standardized electrical connectors and integrated fluid channels instead of traditional flexible wiring harnesses and separate tubing, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection functionality.
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are used for heating device assembly, then ease of repair is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the heating element, pump, and control electronics as separate replaceable modules that connect to the integrated PCB through standardized interfaces. This allows individual components to be replaced for repair while the integrated PCB reduces overall assembly complexity by consolidating connection pathways.
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 assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the reliability of the machines by minimizing human error and the number of assembly operations, while maintaining precise control over heating functions.
Implementation Method 1
CH 593 044 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,568 disclose a coffee machine with an inline thermoblock heater having a metal mass with resistive heating cable cast in the mass
Implementation Method 2
The heating element incorporates a thick-film resistive heating circuit with a thermal fuse included in the thick-film
Implementation Method 3
a triac-type power regulator mounted directly on the heating element that acts as a heat sinker for this triac
Implementation Method 4
the heating element that acts as a heat sinker for this triac... being in heat passing relationship with the liquid so as to evacuate the heat produced by the switch to the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of a flow meter and printed circuit board or flex-print for a liquid food or a beverage preparation machine, which board or flex-print is rigidly connected to the flow meter. This combination is used in a liquid food or beverage preparation machine that includes an in-line heating device in which machine liquid is circulated through the heating device and then guided into a brewing chamber that includes a capsule or pod housing for brewing a food or beverage ingredient supplied into the brewing chamber.