Single-Pump Beverage Machine for Hot Water and Steam Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee machines with multiple electric pumps for producing hot water and steam are costly and complex, requiring a control circuit to manage both pumps, which complicates the design and increases expenses.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a single electric pump and instantaneous boiler capable of producing both hot water and steam, using a control circuit to regulate flow rates for efficient steam and hot water production, and incorporating a solenoid valve for directing fluids to simplify the design and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two electric pumps are used to produce hot water and steam separately, then the machine can perform both functions simultaneously, but the machine cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single electric pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it supplies water to the instantaneous boiler for both hot water production and steam generation. The pump's flow rate can be regulated to deliver different water quantities depending on whether hot water or steam is required, making it a universal component that replaces what would traditionally require two separate pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit regulates the electric pump's operating parameters (flow rate) to adapt to different operational modes. When steam production is needed, the pump delivers a lower flow rate (D2) to allow complete vaporization; when hot water is needed, it delivers a higher flow rate (D1). This parameter adjustment allows a single pump to serve multiple purposes
2Reliability
If two electric pumps are used, then hot water and steam can be produced independently, but the overall machine cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate pumps into a single electric pump that supplies water to a shared instantaneous boiler. The boiler is designed with capabilities to produce both hot water and steam from the same water supply, eliminating the need for duplicate pumping components and reducing overall machine cost
Solution Approach 2:
The instantaneous boiler acts as an intermediary component that receives water from the single pump and transforms it into either hot water or steam based on operational requirements. This intermediary device enables one pump to effectively serve two functions by processing the water through thermal transformation
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 results in a more economical and ergonomic machine design that simplifies construction and operation, allowing for efficient production of coffee and milk-based beverages with reduced energy consumption and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the first boiler comprises a first heating element and a first water tube supplied with water by a first electric pump to produce hot water
Implementation Method 2
the second boiler comprises a second heating element and a second water tube supplied with water by a second electric pump to produce steam
Implementation Method 3
a first electric pump to produce hot water intended for the production of coffee
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The utility model relates to a beverage preparation machine. The system comprises at least one instantaneous boiler, a coffee production circuit and a coffee distribution circuit supplied with hot water by the at least one instantaneous boiler, and a rotary stirring device, the rotary stirring device comprises a rotary tool which is driven by an electric motor about an axis A and is intended to cooperate with a preparation contained in a container, the rotary stirring device comprising a delivery duct for delivering hot water and/or steam from the at least one instantaneous boiler to the rotary tool. According to the utility model, the beverage preparation machine comprises a single electric pump controlled by a control circuit, and the single electric pump supplies water to the at least one instantaneous boiler to generate hot water or steam.