Proportional valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines require multiple proportional valves to produce different beverage components, such as water, steam, and milk foam, due to the need for specific needle geometries, and existing solutions lack a universally applicable valve with precise control and a completely closed position.
Innovation Solution
A single proportional valve with an axially adjustable needle having multiple positions, including two completely closed positions, allows for the production of various beverages by adjusting the needle's shape and diameter to accommodate different flow requirements, ensuring precise control and complete closure when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple proportional valves are used to produce different beverage components, then the precision for producing specific beverages is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single proportional valve that can perform multiple functions by changing the needle geometry. The valve can produce different beverage components (water, steam, milk foam) by adjusting the needle shape and diameter, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves while maintaining precision for each specific beverage component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an axially adjustable needle with variable geometry that can be dynamically changed during operation. The needle can be adjusted to different positions and shapes to accommodate different flow requirements for various beverage components, allowing one valve to replace multiple fixed-geometry valves
2Measurement precision
If a proportional valve is designed for complete closure, then the control precision is improved, but the valve complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve function into two independent closure positions: a first closed position and a second closed position. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve complete closure through different mechanical configurations, improving control precision without requiring a single complex closure mechanism
3Productivity
If different needle geometries are used for different products, then the productivity for producing specific products is improved, but the adaptability of a single valve decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable needle geometry that can be axially positioned at different locations to change the effective needle shape and diameter. This allows the single valve to optimize its geometry for each specific product (water, steam, milk foam) while maintaining the ability to switch between products, thereby achieving both high productivity and versatility
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
Enables the production of a wide range of beverages using a single valve, ensuring precise mixing ratios and complete closure, reducing manufacturing costs and extending the valve's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a stepper motor and an axially adjustable approximately circular valve needle
Implementation Method 2
The first proportional valve known in the prior art uses a coil which, when supplied with current, can move an armature vertically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To create a beverage machine or coffee machine, at least comprising a heater for heating water, a pump and a beverage outlet connected by means of a piping system, wherein the hot beverage machine or coffee machine produces coffee or tea mixed drinks with a desired quantity of water, steam or milk or milk foam by means of a sensor-controlled proportional valve (1) with a stepper motor (6) and an axially adjustable approximately circular valve needle (2), which has a universally applicable proportional valve, the valve needle of which is usable for a large number of different applications for producing desired mixed drinks, which has a reset point forming a zero position, which furthermore allows an additional position of the valve needle during the process between the different operating ranges in which the valve is completely closed,It is proposed that, by means of a proportional valve (1) adjustable to different positions, an arbitrarily dosable quantity of liquid, steam or air can be generated or generated, wherein the proportional valve (1) additionally has at least one position in which it is completely closed.