Coffee machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Espresso coffee machines with lever-driven systems pose safety risks due to abrupt lever return movements when operating conditions are incorrect, such as lack of coffee or improper water pressure, leading to potential injuries for operators.

Innovation Solution

A servo-controlled lever system with a braking device that adjusts the return speed of the lever, ensuring a safer operation by reducing the lever's return speed and allowing for controlled handling, even in critical conditions like missing coffee or incorrect water pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lever is driven manually by the operator to activate hot water delivery, then the coffee extraction function is achieved, but the lever return speed becomes uncontrolled and may cause safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual lever operationVSAvoidabrupt lever return movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A braking device is introduced as an intermediary component between the lever and the piston system. This braking device includes a braking element that can be engaged by the operator to control the lever return speed, mediating the interaction between the operator's manual input and the mechanical system's response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The braking device provides feedback control to the lever system. When the operator engages the braking element during lever return, it creates resistance that slows down the movement, allowing the operator to感知 and control the return speed based on the system's state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the lever returns rapidly under spring action, then the system efficiency is maintained, but the operator safety is compromised due to uncontrolled movement speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever return speedVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device introduces dynamic control to the previously passive lever return mechanism. The braking element can be engaged or disengaged by the operator, transforming the fixed-speed return movement into a controllable, variable-speed process that adapts to operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking device acts as a cushioning mechanism that prepares for and mitigates the harmful effects of rapid lever return. By providing可控 resistance during the return stroke, it cushions the abrupt movement before it can cause injury to the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If no braking control is provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the safety and controllability during lever operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever system structureVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The braking function is extracted as a separate, modular braking device that can be added to the existing lever system. This allows the safety function to be implemented without fundamentally redesigning the entire lever mechanism, maintaining relative simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 servo-controlled lever system significantly enhances safety by reducing the risk of injuries and allowing operators to manage the lever more effectively, maintaining control during potentially hazardous situations without altering the force required for operation or affecting coffee extraction.

Implementation Method 1

The passages comprise a first passage wherein each first passage comprises at least one calibrated hole having a section of such dimensions as to encumber the flow of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow restriction through calibrated hole: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

an obstruction element placed within the third chamber, said obstruction element being free to move within the third chamber itself under the pushing action of the fluid flow within the second passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure driving obstruction element movement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10779677B2Coffee machine

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 LA SAN MARCO SPA

AI summary

An apparatus for making espresso coffee has at least one delivery unit, a hydraulic circuit connected to the delivery unit, and a driving device having a lever movable between a first position and a second position. The delivery unit has a first cylinder with a piston slidably mounted therein and at least one braking device having a second cylinder. The second cylinder is connected to a circuit independent of the first cylinder. The movement of the first cylinder charges water and discharges water from the first cylinder.