Beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid food and beverage preparation machines face challenges in simplifying the integration of heating functions, leading to increased assembly complexity, manufacturing costs, and reliability issues due to the use of flexible and deformable cables and tubes for connecting heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with an integrated thermoblock and rigidly secured electric components on a printed circuit board or flex-print, eliminating the need for flexible cables by using rigid connectors and a thermoblock with a metal mass that accumulates and transfers heat, along with a thermal fuse device for safety, to automate assembly and reduce human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flexible cables and tubes are used to connect heating elements, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to deformable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating element, temperature sensor, and electrical connections into an integrated thermoblock assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate flexible cables and tubes, providing both rigid reliable connections and ease of assembly as a single unit. The integrated design ensures stable electrical and thermal connections while simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for heating functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoblock assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the heating element, temperature sensor mounting platform, and electrical connection interface. This multi-functional design maintains the adaptability needed for various heating applications while significantly reducing assembly complexity by eliminating the need to install separate components.
3Reliability
If rigid connectors are used to eliminate flexible cables, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to automated assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all connection points and heating components into a single thermoblock assembly, the patent enables automated assembly through standardized mounting interfaces. The rigid connectors are pre-positioned and secured within the integrated assembly, allowing for reliable connections that can be installed automatically without manual cable routing and connection tasks.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the reliability of the machines by eliminating flexible connections, allowing for automated assembly and improved heat transfer efficiency while ensuring safety through the thermal fuse device.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoblock with a metal mass (1) that incorporates an inlet, an outlet and a heating chamber extending therebetween to form a passage for guiding said liquid circulating through said mass, the mass being arranged to accumulate heat and to supply heat to the liquid
Implementation Method 2
resistive heating cable cast in the mass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An in-line heating device (1,2,3,4) for a liquid food or beverage preparation machine in which liquid is circulated through the heating device and then guided into a brewing chamber. This heating device comprises: a thermoblock with a metal mass (1) that incorporates an inlet, an outlet and a heating chamber extending therebetween to form a passage for guiding said liquid circulating through said mass, the mass being arranged to accumulate heat and to supply heat to the liquid; and one or more electric components (60,70,75) that are rigidly secured onto or into the thermoblock and that are connected to a printed circuit board (4) and/or a flex-print (4') arranged to control the thermoblock. The electric components are rigidly connected to the printed circuit board and/or flex-print, in particular via rigid connector pins or blades or rigid plug and socket members.