Single-Infuser Coffee Machine With Parallel Multi-Nozzle Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee machines have limited user flexibility and production capacity, as they cannot prepare different drinks simultaneously, making them unsuitable for handling multiple user requests effectively.
Innovation Solution
A highly flexible automatic coffee machine design featuring a single infuser unit with a hydraulic circuit and electronic controller, allowing for simultaneous preparation of various coffee and milk-based drinks using multiple dispensing nozzles and adjustable valve control, enabling flexible programming for different drink combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single infuser unit is used, then the machine is compact and cost-effective, but it cannot prepare different drinks simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coffee preparation system into multiple independent dispensing nozzles (first and second nozzles) that can operate simultaneously, allowing different drinks to be prepared at the same time from a single infuser unit. This segmentation of the dispensing function enables parallel drink preparation without requiring multiple infusers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point dispensing system to a multi-point dispensing system by adding spatial dimensionality. Multiple nozzles are positioned at different locations to dispense different drinks simultaneously, effectively using spatial arrangement to overcome the limitation of a single infuser unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple infuser units are used to prepare different drinks simultaneously, then user flexibility is improved, but the machine becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The single infuser unit is designed to serve multiple functions by connecting to multiple dispensing nozzles. The infuser can prepare different types of coffee drinks (espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, white coffee) and distribute them through different nozzles simultaneously, making one component perform the work of multiple infusers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple dispensing functions into a single integrated system. The hydraulic circuit merges the output from one infuser unit and distributes it through multiple nozzles, consolidating what would traditionally require separate infuser units into a single compact device.
3Device complexity
If different drinks are prepared sequentially, then the machine structure remains simple, but production capacity and user satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous parallel operation by allowing the single infuser unit to prepare multiple different drinks simultaneously through multiple nozzles. This eliminates idle time between drink preparations and maintains continuous productive action, serving multiple users at once without sequential delays.
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 machine achieves enhanced user flexibility and production capacity by allowing simultaneous preparation of multiple drinks, including coffee and milk-based beverages, with a compact and cost-effective design that maintains hygiene and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation pump (12) and a boiler (13)... suitable for supplying the infuser unit (2) with infusion water at a temperature comprised between 75 °C and 80 °C and pressure comprised between 8 bar and 12 bar
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic circuit (9) for distributing the infusion to the infusion dispensing means (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
The automatic coffee machine (1) comprises a single infuser unit (2) for producing a coffee infusion, coffee infusion dispensing means (4) located in front of a front wall (5) of the machine (1) in a distanced position above a surface (6) for resting one or more cups (7, 8) for collecting the coffee infusion, a hydraulic circuit (9) for distributing the coffee infusion to the coffee infusion dispensing means (4), and valve interception means (10) present along said hydraulic circuit (9), the coffee infusion dispensing means (4) comprise a first coffee infusion dispensing unit (16) equipped with at least one coffee infusion dispensing nozzle (17, 1 8) and at least a second coffee infusion dispensing unit ( 1 9) equipped with at least one coffee infusion dispensing nozzle (20, 21 ), the hydraulic circuit (9) comprising a first supply pipe (34) for said first coffee infusion dispensing unit ( 16) and a second supply pipe (35) for said second coffee infusion dispensing unit ( 19), said valve means (10) comprising a first interception valve (36) of the flow along said first pipe (34) and a second interception valve (37) of the flow along said second pipe (35 ).