Steam dispensing apparatus and coffee machine thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam dispensing systems in coffee machines lack precise control over steam flow rate, requiring operator skill and leading to wear of components due to abrupt flow regulation and frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A steam dispensing apparatus with a regulating group featuring a shutter and regulating members that allow easy switching between different flow rates, combined with a valve system to interrupt steam flow without wearing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a tap is used to regulate steam flow rate, then the device structure remains simple and economical, but the flow rate regulation precision is poor and requires operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating group divides the continuous steam flow regulation into discrete flow rate steps using multiple shutters (first shutter, second shutter, etc.), each controlling a specific flow rate range. This segmentation allows precise flow rate selection without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and regulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different shutters are designed with specific local characteristics (different opening sizes, positions, and geometries) to control different flow rate ranges. Each shutter is optimized for its specific function, allowing precise control at each local flow rate level while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a tap is used for steam flow regulation, then the device remains simple, but frequent manual operation causes wear of sealing gaskets and requires periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The manual tap operation is replaced with an automated solenoid valve system controlled by a control board. The solenoid valve electronically activates or interrupts steam flow based on control signals, eliminating the need for frequent manual tap operations and the associated wear of sealing gaskets, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board automatically manages steam flow interruption without requiring operator intervention. The system self-regulates by deactivating the solenoid valve after a certain time or upon completing a work cycle, reducing mechanical wear and maintenance needs.
3Productivity
If the steam flow rate is too high, then the beverage preparation time is reduced, but the liquid temperature increases too rapidly preventing proper foam formation
Solution Approach 1:
The steam flow rate control is segmented into multiple discrete levels using different shutters. This allows selection of appropriate flow rates for different preparation stages: higher flow rates for rapid heating when needed, and lower flow rates for precise temperature control during foam formation, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts steam flow rate by switching between different shutters based on the preparation stage. The flow rate is not fixed but can be changed during operation to match the evolving needs of the beverage preparation process, enabling both rapid heating and precise temperature control.
4Manufacturing precision
If the steam flow rate is too low, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the beverage preparation time becomes too long
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shutters provide segmented flow rate options, allowing the system to select low flow rates for precise temperature control when needed and high flow rates for rapid heating, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam flow rate is dynamically adjusted during the preparation process by switching between different shutters. The system transitions from higher flow rates for initial heating to lower flow rates for final temperature precision, achieving both speed and precision throughout the process.
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 rapid and precise steam flow regulation, reducing operator skill requirements and minimizing maintenance needs while ensuring consistent beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (C) configured to generate a steam flow
Implementation Method 2
a shutter (4) adapted to act on the steam flow to define its flow rate, and regulating members (5, 6) which, by acting on the shutter, regulate the flow rate of the steam flow
Implementation Method 3
a valve means (9) arranged along the hydraulic circuit between the steam generator and the apparatus for dispensing steam, wherein the valve means is switchable between an open configuration in which it allows the supply of the steam flow from the steam generator to the apparatus for dispensing steam, and a closed configuration in which it interrupts the supply of the steam flow
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for dispensing steam comprising: - a dispensing device (2) configured to dispense steam into a container (R) containing an edible liquid, - a regulating group (3) arranged upstream of the dispensing device (2) and configured to receive a steam flow, regulate the flow rate of the steam flow, and supply the steam flow to the dispensing device (2), said regulating group (3) comprising: - a shutter (4) having at least a first regulating opening (41) and a second regulating opening (42) respectively configured to impose a first flow rate value (P1) and a second flow rate value (P2) to the steam flow - regulating members (5, 6) configured to switch the shutter (4) between at least a first operating position in which the steam flow crosses the first regulating opening (41) assuming the first flow rate value (P1), and a second operating position in which the steam flow crosses the second regulating opening (42) assuming the second flow rate value (P2).