Mixing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam-driven milk frothing modules in espresso appliances generate noise due to a direct steam path, which can be disturbing to users.
Innovation Solution
A mixing apparatus with a channel arrangement that fills the frothing section with steamed milk, interrupting the direct steam path and reducing noise, utilizing a flow reducing means such as a barrier element to ensure sufficient milk mixture collection and block the steam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a direct steam path is provided from the steam inlet to the mixing chamber, then steam can efficiently reach the milk mixture, but high-speed steam escapes and generates disturbing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The frothing section is designed to fill with steamed milk before steam can escape directly to the mixing chamber. This preliminary filling action creates a liquid barrier that blocks the harmful steam escape path, preventing noise generation while maintaining steam delivery efficiency through the established channel arrangement
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the frothing section is filled with steamed milk to block the steam path, then noise is reduced, but the flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flow reducing means is placed at a specific location within the frothing section to create localized flow resistance. This localized resistance is sufficient to enable the frothing section to fill with steamed milk and block the steam path for noise reduction, while the overall flow path remains optimized to minimize excessive energy loss
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 effectively reduces noise levels during operation by preventing high-speed steam from escaping, maintaining a sound power level below 75 dB while achieving desired frothed milk temperatures between 62° C. and 71° C.
Implementation Method 1
the frothing section is filled sufficiently with steamed milk that a direct path from the second port to the mixing chamber is interrupted by the steamed milk
Implementation Method 2
a mixing chamber for mixing milk, steam and air
Implementation Method 3
The flow reducing means is designed to increase the flow resistance and/or outflow resistance of the frothing section, so that during use sufficient milk mixture will collect in the frothing section
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing apparatus is described. The mixing apparatus has a first port for receiving milk, a second port for receiving steam, and a mixing chamber for mixing the milk, the steam, and air. A channel arrangement connects the first port and the second port, and defines an air intake channel which leads to a frothing section. The mixing apparatus is designed such that, in use, the frothing section fills sufficiently with steamed milk that has a direct path from the second port to the mixing chamber is interrupted by the steamed milk. This provides a noise reduction during use of the mixing apparatus. A flow reducing means, such as a barrier, may be used for this purpose.