Single-Boiler Infusion Machine for Selective Pressure Water Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso machines require complex and costly dual boiler systems to manage pressure and temperature for brewing coffee, which is economically viable only for intensive use and poses challenges in energy consumption and material selection for sealing.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a single boiler and solenoid valves that can selectively supply hot water under pressure or at atmospheric pressure, using a calibrated valve to control fluid flow and prevent pressure buildup, reducing energy consumption and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual boiler system is used to manage pressure and temperature for brewing coffee, then the machine can supply hot water under pressure and hot water at atmospheric pressure simultaneously, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the function of pressure generation from the function of atmospheric pressure delivery by using a single boiler with selective valve control. The solenoid valve segments the flow path to direct water either through the infusion chamber (when closed) or through the outlet branch (when open), eliminating the need for two separate boilers while maintaining adaptability to different pressure requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The single boiler is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply water to the infusion chamber under pressure when the solenoid valve is closed, and it can supply water to the outlet branch at atmospheric pressure when the solenoid valve is open. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate boilers for different pressure conditions, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual boiler system is used to manage pressure and temperature, then the machine can handle different pressure requirements, but the manufacturing cost increases making it economically viable only for intensive use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate boilers into a single boiler system. By combining the pressure supply function and atmospheric pressure supply function into one boiler with selective valve control, the manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining the ability to handle different pressure requirements, making the machine economically viable for various usage levels including domestic and semi-professional applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate boilers operating at different pressures are used, then the machine can deliver hot water at different pressures, but the energy consumption increases due to two separate heating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The single boiler is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply water to the infusion chamber under pressure when the solenoid valve is closed, and it can supply water to the outlet branch at atmospheric pressure when the solenoid valve is open. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate boilers for different pressure conditions, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the same boiler to serve both pressure requirements, and the solenoid valve automatically directs the water flow to the appropriate destination based on the desired pressure condition. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate heating systems, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to deliver hot water at different pressures
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective production of drinks across various usage levels, including domestic and semi-professional machines, with improved reliability and reduced space requirements, while minimizing energy consumption and water waste.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (400) intended to increase the pressure of water from the boiler (500)
Implementation Method 2
a boiler (500) arranged downstream of the outlet branch (710) and configured to heat water
Implementation Method 3
an outlet solenoid valve (800) arranged upstream of the calibrated valve (120) and configured to control a flow of water from the boiler (500)
Implementation Method 4
a calibrated valve (120) arranged downstream of the outlet solenoid valve (800) and configured to prevent a rise in pressure of the water from the boiler (500)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine for making beverages by infusion, which includes: a system (10) including an infusion chamber (7); a hydraulic circuit including a pump (400) and a boiler (500); a calibrated valve (120) placed between the boiler (500) and the chamber (7) and arranged such as to enable the fluid to flow towards the chamber (7) only when the pressure of the fluid upstream from the valve (120) is higher than a threshold; an outlet branch (710) including an inlet (711) connected to an outlet of the boiler (500) or a supply means upstream from the calibrated valve (120) and at least one outlet (712) for providing the heated flow out of the machine; an outlet solenoid valve (800) placed on the outlet branch (710) and the opening and closing of which enables and prevents, respectively, the flow of the fluid through said outlet (712).