Multi-Way Valve for Dual Continuous-Flow Heater Beverage Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices, such as coffee machines, have complex structures and require numerous cables for control, limiting their functionality and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to the need for separate valves and limited interconnection options between instantaneous water heaters.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation device utilizing a multi-way valve to connect and interconnect two continuous-flow heaters, allowing for separate or combined fluid outputs, eliminating the need for separate valves and enabling increased functionality, including steam and hot water generation, with optional use of steam to enhance hot water production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate solenoid valves are assigned to each instantaneous water heater for switching, then the water heaters can be independently controlled, but the device structure becomes complex and requires numerous cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single multi-way valve that can route water flows between different heaters and outputs. This single valve replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate solenoid valves, reducing structural complexity and cable requirements while maintaining the ability to independently control each water heater through electronic control signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate valves are provided for each water heater output, then each output can be independently controlled, but the number of components and wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve is designed with multiple ports and switching positions that enable it to perform multiple functions: routing from first heater to first output, from second heater to second output, from first heater to second output, from second heater to first output, and combining both heater outputs to a common output. This single universal valve replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized valves, reducing component count while maintaining full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If instantaneous water heaters are designed to be switchable between steam and hot water generation, then functionality is increased, but the structure and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control where the multi-way valve can be switched between different positions during operation to change the system's configuration. The valve dynamically routes flows based on operational requirements, enabling the same physical infrastructure to support multiple functions (steam generation, hot water generation, combined output) without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function.
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
Simplifies the device structure, reduces wiring complexity, and enhances functionality by allowing for various operating modes and increased hot water production through steam augmentation, making the device more cost-effective and versatile.
Implementation Method 1
the multi-way valve is designed in such a way that in a first switching position, the first input is fluidly connected to a first output and the second input is fluidly connected to a (different) second output and in a second switching position both the first input and the second input are fluidly connected to a common output
Implementation Method 2
a first instantaneous water heater (17) designed to generate hot water and to a second instantaneous water heater (18) designed to generate hot water and/or steam
Implementation Method 3
the steam generated by the second continuous-flow heater is fed to the hot water generated by the first continuous-flow heater in order to increase the water temperature of the hot water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation device, in particular a coffee maker, comprising at least one water pump for supplying water to a first continuous-flow heater (17) designed for generating hot water, and to a second continuous-flow heater (18) that is likewise designed for generating hot water and/or for generating steam, and having a control unit for actuating the at least one pump and the continuous-flow heaters (17, 18) for realizing different modes of operation. According to the invention, the first continuous-flow heater (17) is connected by way of a first connecting line (20) to a first input (3) of a multi-way valve (21), and by way of a second connecting line (22), the second continuous-flow heater (18) is connected to a second input (1) of the same multi-way valve (21). The multi-way valve (21) is designed such that in a first switching position, the first input (3) and the second input (1) are fluidically connected to separate outputs. In a second switching position, both the first input (3) and the second input (1) are fluidically connected to a common output.