Adjustable Brew Chamber Using a Self-Positioning Movable Bottom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee makers for domestic use require manual adjustment of the brewing chamber size based on the amount of coffee granulate, which is cumbersome and prone to user error, especially when switching between different amounts of coffee.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker with an automatically adjustable brewing chamber that adjusts its size and shape in response to the quantity of particle material present, eliminating the need for a granulate dispenser by using a movable bottom and spring-urged piston mechanism that locks into predetermined positions based on the amount of coffee granulate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a granulate dispenser is integrated into the coffee maker to automatically detect coffee amount, then the brewing chamber can be automatically adjusted, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the granulate dispenser component entirely from the system. Instead of using a dispenser to detect coffee amount, the invention uses a simple movable bottom mechanism that responds directly to the weight of the coffee granulate placed in the brewing chamber, thereby achieving automatic adjustment without the complexity of a dispenser system
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bottom mechanism serves itself by automatically detecting the coffee amount through its own movement in response to the granulate weight. The system uses the coffee granulate's presence and weight to directly actuate the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensing and control components
2Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment of brewing chamber size is required, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but user operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the adjustment operation automatically based on the detected coffee amount. The movable bottom mechanism self-adjusts to the correct position according to the weight of the coffee granulate, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and the potential for user error while keeping the overall device simple to manufacture
3Device complexity
If the brewing chamber size is not automatically adjusted to match coffee amount, then device complexity remains low, but brewing consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber size is made dynamically adjustable through the movable bottom mechanism. The bottom can move to different positions based on the coffee amount detected, allowing the chamber volume to adapt automatically to the actual brewing requirements, thereby ensuring consistent brewing results without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of brewing chamber volume in response to changes in coffee amount. By linking the movable bottom position to the detected granulate weight, the chamber size parameter is automatically adjusted to match the brewing requirements, ensuring reliable and consistent 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
Ensures predictable coffee extraction with automatic adjustment of the brewing chamber size, reducing user error and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for a granulate dispenser, while maintaining consistent organoleptic properties.
Implementation Method 1
spring-urged piston mechanism that locks into predetermined positions
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage maker for brewing a beverage from water and a quantity of particle material includes a water supply structure, a brewing chamber downstream of the water supply structure, and a dispensing channel downstream of the brewing chamber. A bounding member is adjustable for adjusting the operational size of the brewing chamber, and an adjustment structure is provided for adjusting said bounding member. The adjustment structure is adjustable in response to the quantity of particles present in said brewing chamber.