Water distributing device for coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee machines have bulky mechanical mechanisms for adjusting water parameters and their water distribution systems fail to provide effective stirring of coffee grounds, leading to inefficient flavor extraction and clogging issues due to downward water flow and small water outlet passages.
Innovation Solution
A water distributing device with a round-contoured flow channel unit that creates a vortex flow by guiding water through radially and tangentially curved channels, ensuring uniform stirring and reducing clogging risks through larger passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water is distributed through a water outlet mesh with numerous small pores, then the water flow can be controlled and directed downward, but the water flow becomes constricted and cannot effectively stir or agitate the coffee powder
Solution Approach 1:
The water outlet is divided into multiple separate outlet channels instead of using a mesh with numerous small pores. Each outlet channel provides a larger, unobstructed passage for water flow, enabling effective stirring of coffee powder while maintaining controlled water distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet channels are designed with curved paths that guide water flow in a rotational pattern. This curvature creates a swirling water flow that effectively stirs and agitates the coffee powder, improving extraction efficiency compared to straight downward flow.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional water distributing module is used with small pores in the water outlet mesh, then water can be distributed to the coffee powder, but coffee grounds reverse seep through the mesh after brewing and clog the pores
Solution Approach 1:
The water outlet is segmented into multiple separate outlet channels with larger cross-sectional areas. These larger channels are less susceptible to clogging by coffee grounds compared to numerous small pores, maintaining reliable water flow throughout the machine's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of filtering coffee grounds through small pores in the traditional mesh, the design inverts the approach by using larger outlet channels that allow water to flow freely without requiring fine filtration, preventing ground accumulation and clogging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated mechanical mechanism is used to adjust water parameters (temperature, volume, pressure), then the desired brewing adjustments can be achieved, but the coffee machine becomes bulky and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complicated mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified water distribution structure. The outlet channels' geometry and arrangement inherently control water flow characteristics, eliminating the need for complex mechanical devices to achieve brewing parameter adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the physical parameters of the water outlet structure (channel size, shape, arrangement) to achieve desired water flow characteristics for brewing, rather than using mechanical mechanisms to adjust parameters. This geometric parameter optimization provides adaptability without mechanical complexity.
4Ease of operation
If water flows downward through the water outlet mesh, then water can be delivered to the coffee powder, but the flow cannot create a stirring effect to fully release coffee flavor
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet channels are designed with curved paths that redirect water flow from simple downward motion to a rotational, swirling pattern. This curved flow path creates effective stirring action that agitates coffee powder and enhances flavor extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet channel geometry is optimized to utilize hydraulic principles, where the channel shape and arrangement naturally generate rotational water flow patterns that stir the coffee powder, converting gravitational potential energy into rotational kinetic energy for enhanced extraction.
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 vortex flow enhances coffee extraction efficiency, reduces coffee powder usage, simplifies machine cleaning, and maintains flavor consistency by evenly agitating coffee grounds and preventing clogging.
Implementation Method 1
defines a plurality of water guide channels that are in fluid communication with the water intake. Each water guide channel extends away from the central axis in a radial direction that is perpendicular to the central axis, is curved in a tangential direction that is perpendicular to the central axis and the radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A water distributing device is adapted for use in a coffee machine, and includes a body housing and a round-contoured flow channel unit. The body housing includes a bottom wall and a surrounding wall cooperatively defining a water entry space. The bottom wall has a water intake passing therethrough along a central axis. The flow channel unit is disposed downstream of the body housing, and defines a plurality of water guide channels. Each water guide channel extends away from the central axis in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis, is curved in a tangential direction perpendicular to the central axis and the radial direction, and has a water outlet located away from the central axis.