Adaptive Cup Insert Brewing Control for Multi-Beverage Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brewing apparatuses are limited in their ability to accommodate multiple types of beverages, requiring multiple devices due to fixed brewing parameters, which can affect the taste and quality of brewed beverages.

Innovation Solution

A brewing apparatus with a chassis and adaptor insert assembly that can adjust brewing parameters based on the size and type of beverage cup, using sensors and a controller to select or modify catering profiles for optimal brewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a brewing apparatus is configured with fixed brewing parameters for a particular beverage type, then the taste and quality of that specific beverage is maintained, but the apparatus cannot accommodate multiple different types of brewed beverages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to brew multiple beverage typesVSAvoidnumber of brewing apparatuses required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing apparatus is designed with a universal brewing chamber and control system that can accommodate multiple beverage types (coffee, espresso, tea) by adjusting brewing parameters such as temperature, time, and cup size through the user interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate brewing devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The brewing system is divided into independent adjustable components including separate temperature control, timing control, and cup size selection functions, allowing each parameter to be optimized for different beverage types while maintaining overall system versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If brewing parameters are adjusted to accommodate different beverage types, then versatility is improved, but the taste and quality of the brewed beverage may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different cup sizes and beverage typesVSAvoidconsistency of taste and quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically adjusts critical brewing parameters including water temperature, brewing time, and cup size based on the selected beverage type through the user interface, ensuring that each beverage is brewed with optimal parameters to maintain consistent taste and quality across different beverage varieties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple brewing apparatuses are used for different beverage types, then the correct taste and quality of each beverage is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect taste and quality of brewed beverageVSAvoidnumber of brewing apparatuses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single brewing apparatus integrates multiple beverage preparation capabilities including coffee, espresso, and tea brewing functions, along with various cup size accommodations, replacing the need for multiple separate brewing devices while maintaining reliable taste and quality for each beverage type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the brewing of multiple beverage types with precise control over parameters like temperature and time, improving taste and quality without the need for multiple apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a heater plate, the beverage cup being positioned proximate to the heater plate when inserted into the chassis beverage cup cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

one or more chassis sensors configured to acquire data about the beverage cup, the data comprising a set of operational parameters for the beverage cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3708036B1Brewing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 BE AEROSPACE INC
  • EP3708036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708036B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3708036B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A brewing apparatus may include a chassis 102. The chassis 102 may include a chassis beverage cup base 104. A chassis beverage cup cavity 106 defined within the chassis beverage cup base 104 may be configured to receive a beverage cup of a plurality of beverage cups. The brewing apparatus may include an adaptor insert assembly 300 dimensioned to fit within the chassis beverage cup cavity 106. An adaptor insert cavity 304 defined within the adaptor insert may be configured to receive a second beverage cup of a plurality of beverage cups. The brewing apparatus may include a controller 400 configured to acquire data about the beverage cup or the second beverage cup via the one or more sensors. The controller 400 may be configured to at least one of select or adjust a catering profile of a plurality of catering profiles based on the acquired data.