Machine for preparing coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines require manual intervention for loading and unloading coffee powder, are prone to blockages, and require frequent cleaning due to the complexity of valve devices and shared circuits for infusion and discharge.
Innovation Solution
A super-automatic coffee machine with a mobile infusion unit, a simplified valve device without hydraulic mechanisms, and a single delivery and discharge valve, allowing for automatic loading, infusion, delivery, and discharge of coffee, while maintaining cleanliness and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complex valve device with hydraulic mechanisms is used to control infusion water flow, then the machine can achieve automated espresso preparation, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes hydraulic mechanisms from the valve device, extracting the complex fluid control systems while retaining automated functionality through a simplified mechanical valve design that uses direct mechanical actuation instead of hydraulic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hydraulic mechanisms with a mechanically actuated valve system where a motor-driven cam mechanism directly controls the opening and closing of water flow paths, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic control systems
2Device complexity
If the residual water circuit shares the feed circuit, then the machine structure is simplified, but the feed circuit becomes dirty due to coffee powders dragged by residual water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water circuit into completely separate feed circuit and discharge circuit pathways, with the feed circuit delivering fresh water to the infusion chamber and the discharge circuit separately removing used water and coffee residues, preventing contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate discharge circuit as an intermediary pathway that collects and removes residual water and coffee powders from the infusion chamber without allowing them to enter or contaminate the clean feed circuit
3Ease of manufacture
If manual intervention is required for loading and unloading coffee powder, then the machine construction is simplified, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated coffee powder handling system where a motor-driven screw mechanism automatically loads ground coffee from a storage container into the infusion chamber, and an expulsion piston automatically ejects used coffee grounds, making the machine serve itself without manual intervention
4Device complexity
If the access zone of coffee powder is located in contact with the infusion zone, then the machine structure is simplified, but the reliability decreases due to easy blockages from humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically separates the coffee powder storage and access zone from the hot infusion zone through distinct chambers and pathways, isolating the coffee powder from humidity and heat that would cause blockages, while maintaining functional connectivity through controlled transfer mechanisms
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 operates fully automatically, optimizing the preparation of low-pressure American type coffee, reducing manual cleaning needs, and ensuring reliable operation with minimal risk of blockages or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The water heated by the boiler is fed to the infusion chamber where, due to the effect of gravity, it percolates through the coffee powder, extracting its aromatic substances
Implementation Method 2
a discharge pipe through which, at the end of the delivery of the beverage, the residual water obtained by the compression of the used coffee powder is discharged
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic machine for preparing beverages, in particular American coffee, including a unit to feed the coffee powder, a mobile infusion unit having an infusion cylinder which delimits an infusion chamber, and a hydraulic circuit configured to heat the water for the infusion and feed it to the infusion chamber, where the infusion unit has an expulsion piston slidable inside the infusion cylinder and delimiting at the lower part the infusion chamber, and a valve device provided with a valve body and a closing piston which can engage with the infusion cylinder in order to close the infusion chamber.