Method for manufacturing a heatable media line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing heatable media lines for coffee machines are complex and costly, and they fail to effectively reheate brewing water or freshly brewed coffee, especially after the machine has been idle for a long period.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective method involving the winding of a heat transfer foil with high thermal conductivity along the outside of a hose line, combined with an electric heating medium applied to the foil, to create a media line that can effectively reheate brewing water or coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a continuous-flow heater is incorporated in the media line, then reheating capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function directly into the media line by integrating a heating element within the hose structure itself, rather than incorporating a separate continuous-flow heater. This merging of functions achieves reheating capability while reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The media line is designed to serve multiple functions: fluid transport and active reheating. By making the media line itself heating-capable through integrated heating elements, the system eliminates the need for separate heating devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective reheating functionality.
2Temperature
If heating wires are wound helically around the media line, then reheating effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible heating element that can be integrated into the media line structure, allowing for simplified manufacturing compared to traditional helical wire winding. The heating element is designed to conform to the hose geometry, enabling easier assembly and manufacturing while maintaining effective heat transfer to the fluid.
3Temperature
If the media line is heated to prevent cooling, then coffee temperature is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated in advance or continuously at low power to maintain the media line temperature, preventing the brewing water from cooling down during transit. This preliminary heating action ensures that the coffee remains at the desired temperature without requiring high energy input during the brewing process itself.
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 a simple and effective reheating mechanism that maintains the temperature of freshly brewed coffee at a satisfactory level, even after the coffee machine has been idle, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of coffee and reducing the urgency for descaling the machine.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat transfer foil is wound along the outside of a hose line, evening out the transfer of heat over the hose line surface and made of a material having a thermal conductivity at 0° C. of λ>10 W/mK
Implementation Method 2
an electric heating medium, which serves to heat the hose line surface, is applied to the heat transfer foil
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a heatable media line (100), in particular for conducting and simultaneously reheating brewing water or a freshly brewed hot beverage (1) in a hot-beverage dispensing machine (1000). According to the invention, along a hose line (2), at least one heat transfer foil which homogenizes the heat transfer via the hose line surface and which is composed of a material with a thermal conductivity at 0° C. of λ>10 W/mK, preferably λ>50 W/mK, is wound onto the outside, and an electrical heating medium is applied to the heat transfer foil, which electrical heating medium serves for heating the hose line surface.