Series Jet Ejector Milk Heating for Higher Coffee Beverage Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automatic coffee machines struggle to heat milk to a sufficient temperature for coffee drinks like cappuccino or latte macchiato, as the existing steam heating method only achieves around 40°C, resulting in a low mixing temperature with coffee.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two jet pumps connected in series or parallel, each with a driving nozzle generating negative pressure, allows for additional heating of milk or milk froth using steam, increasing the milk temperature to a range of 45°C to 90°C and improving suction reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single jet pump is used to heat milk with steam, then the milk can be heated to approximately 40°C, but the temperature is too low for certain coffee drinks like cappuccino or latte macchiato
Solution Approach 1:
The single jet pump is divided into multiple jet pumps connected in series. Each jet pump stage provides incremental heating, with the first stage heating milk to approximately 40°C and subsequent stages further heating it to reach 60°C-90°C. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher temperatures while maintaining efficient steam utilization at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple jet pumps operate continuously in series, with steam heating action maintained throughout each stage. The heated milk flows sequentially through each jet pump stage, receiving continuous heating action without interruption, ensuring the milk reaches the desired final temperature efficiently.
2Temperature
If steam flow rate is increased to heat milk to higher temperatures, then the milk temperature can be raised, but the suction reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steam heating action is segmented across multiple jet pump stages rather than applying high steam flow rate in a single stage. Each stage uses moderate steam flow to achieve incremental temperature increases, preventing the suction reliability deterioration that would occur with excessive steam flow in a single stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying excessive steam flow rate in one stage, the system applies partial heating action across multiple stages. Each jet pump stage applies a portion of the total required heating, with steam flow rates optimized for each stage to maintain suction reliability while achieving the cumulative temperature increase needed.
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
This solution effectively raises the milk temperature and froth temperature to a higher level, enhancing the heating process and ensuring a higher output temperature of the finished product, while also improving suction security and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The invention comprises at least two jet pumps connected in series or in parallel, in particular designed as individual pumps and interconnected, each having a drive nozzle for generating a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The fluid drawn in by a first drive nozzle of the first jet pump due to vacuum and heated by steam can additionally be drawn in by a further drive nozzle of the second jet pump and heated further by steam
Implementation Method 3
steam, which creates the suction (i.e., negative pressure), then enters the milk and heats it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1), in particular a coffee machine with a brewing unit (2) for extracting coffee grounds, with at least one means (26) for heating a fluid, in particular milk, with steam, comprising a heating device (5) for heating water to form steam.