Adjustable Brew Head Assembly for Variable Brew Pod Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in brew pod size and shape can lead to incorrect seating, altering pressure within the brew cavity and affecting brewing parameters such as time, temperature, and taste, resulting in inconsistent quality of brewed products in aircraft brewing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A brew head assembly with an adjustable design that includes a support member and brew head with a gap to accommodate different brew pod dimensions, allowing for adjustment of the brew head's position to maintain a tight tolerance and ensure optimal brewing conditions regardless of the brew pod used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed brew cavity design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate variations in brew pod size and shape, leading to incorrect seating and pressure deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The brew head assembly incorporates a movable brew head that can be adjusted vertically along the brew cavity. This dynamic adjustment allows the brew head to accommodate different brew pod heights and shapes while maintaining proper seating and pressure, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
2Reliability
If the brew head position is adjusted for each brew pod, then brewing parameters remain consistent, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a sensor that automatically detects the presence and position of the brew pod, and a motor that automatically adjusts the brew head position accordingly. This self-service automation eliminates manual adjustment time while ensuring consistent brewing parameters, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss
Data Source
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AI summary
A brew head assembly (100) insertable within a brewing apparatus dimensioned to fit within a compartment in a galley of an aircraft may include an adjustable assembly (102) and a brew cup (112). The adjustable assembly (102) may include a brew head (106) and a support member (104). The support member (104) may define a first brew head cavity (110). The brew head (106) may be at least partially inserted into the first brew head cavity (110). The adjustable assembly (102) may be actuatable between an open position and at least one closed position. The brew cup (112) may define a second brew head cavity (114). The brew head (106) may be at least partially inserted into the second brew head cavity (114). A height between the brew head (106) and the brew cup (112) when the adjustable assembly is in the at least one closed position may be responsive to one or more parameters of a brew pod of a plurality of brew pods.