Machine for preparing coffee beverages and method to move a mobile infusion unit thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct current motor control systems face issues with electromagnetic compatibility, high costs, and mechanical wear due to frequent rotation inversions, particularly in applications like coffee machines, leading to electromagnetic interference and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A control method and circuit that powers direct current motors using alternating voltage half-waves, detecting zero-crossings to delay switch activation, eliminating current spikes and reducing electromagnetic interference, while using solid-state components like TRIAC thyristors to enhance reliability and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional H bridge circuits with relays or mechanical components are used to control direct current motors, then the motor direction can be controlled, but frequent rotation inversions cause breakages and malfunctions reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical relay-based H bridge circuits with solid-state electronic switching components (transistors, diodes, capacitors). This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact failures that occur during frequent rotation inversions, significantly improving reliability while maintaining the bidirectional motor control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the control circuit by using solid-state components with different electrical characteristics compared to mechanical relays. The electronic switching elements operate at higher speeds and without mechanical contact, allowing frequent direction changes without degradation, thus resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If thyristors are used to control direct current motors with frequent switching cycles, then motor control is achieved, but electromagnetic interference and current spikes occur disturbing other electronic systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary components (capacitors and diodes) between the thyristor switching circuit and the motor load. These components act as buffers that absorb voltage spikes and filter electromagnetic interference, preventing disturbance to other electronic systems while allowing high-speed switching operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic interference and voltage spikes generated during thyristor switching into beneficial effects by using snubber circuits and filtering components. The energy that would otherwise cause interference is dissipated or redirected in a controlled manner, protecting other electronic systems while maintaining high switching productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Power

If direct current motors are controlled using rectified mains voltage with traditional circuits, then motor operation is achieved, but additional filters and circuits are required increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor powerVSAvoidpower supply circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a control circuit that can operate directly from rectified mains voltage without requiring separate filtering stages or additional power supply circuits. The same switching components serve multiple functions: motor control, voltage regulation, and interference filtering, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity and cost while maintaining full motor power capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides precise motor control with reduced noise and vibrations, increased component lifespan, and lower costs, suitable for applications requiring frequent rotation changes without additional filters or complex circuits.

Implementation Method 1

detecting zero-crossings to delay switch activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectZero-crossing detection:

Implementation Method 2

using solid-state components like TRIAC thyristors to enhance reliability and precision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThyristor switching:

Implementation Method 3

eliminating current spikes and reducing electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference reduction:

Data Source

PatentEP4179619B1Machine for preparing coffee beverages and method to move a mobile infusion unit thereof

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 DE LONGHI APPLIANCES SRL

Figure 1~2h
Figure 3~5d
Figure 6

AI summary

Embodiments described here concern a method to control a direct current motor (50) powered by an alternating supply voltage (Vin), which provides to detect the instant of the zero-crossing of the supply voltage (Vin) and to selectively activate a switch device (11) to power the motor (50) by means of the positive half-waves (Vinl) of the supply voltage (Vin) in order to make it rotate in one sense, and by means of the negative half-waves (Vin2) in order to make it rotate in the opposite sense. The invention also concerns a control circuit (10) for the motor (50).