Automated Pour-Over Brewer With Rotating Filter and Nozzle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pour-over brewing techniques are inefficient and inconsistent due to manual, labor-intensive processes, leading to variations in coffee or tea quality and posing ergonomic and safety concerns for baristas.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an automated beverage brewing apparatus that controls the movement of the filter and nozzle, fluid flow rate, temperature, and timing to optimize the brewing process, ensuring consistency and safety while providing artistic control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual pour-over brewing is used, then baristas can prepare customized beverage recipes, but the process is labor-intensive and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomized beverage recipesVSAvoidlabor-intensive process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automated brewing where the machine performs pouring, timing, and temperature control without human intervention, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining recipe customization through programmable settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical pouring actions are replaced with an automated nozzle system controlled by a microprocessor, which precisely delivers water at controlled rates and temperatures, eliminating inconsistency while preserving recipe adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual pour-over brewing is used, then customized recipes can be prepared, but quality consistency varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomized recipesVSAvoidbeverage quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors and microprocessor control that monitor and adjust brewing parameters in real-time, ensuring consistent water flow rate, temperature, and timing for each brew cycle, thereby guaranteeing quality consistency across all customized recipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual pouring precision is replaced with electronically controlled water delivery system that maintains exact flow rates and timing sequences, eliminating human variability and ensuring reproducible beverage quality for all customized recipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If manual pour-over brewing is used, then small portions can be prepared, but ergonomic and safety concerns arise for baristas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmall portion preparationVSAvoidergonomic and safety concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs all brewing operations including handling hot water and coffee grounds, eliminating human exposure to thermal and mechanical hazards while maintaining efficient small portion preparation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual handling of hot equipment and materials is replaced with automated mechanical and electrical systems that perform all high-risk operations, removing ergonomic and safety concerns while preserving productivity in small batch brewing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2658419B1Apparatus for brewing a beverage and related method

Publication Date: 2016.08.17 STARBUCKS CORPORATION

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AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for brewing a beverage, such as coffee, as well as associated methods for brewing a beverage. Apparatuses and methods are disclosed to reduce labor involved in pour-over brewing techniques, while providing greater consistency in the results. Manual and/or automatic movements are provided to a filter (e.g., rotation) and/or a nozzle dispensing liquid over the filter. Water dosage and timing therefore can be automated to the filter. The nozzle can be positioned off-center with respect to the filter to ensure wetting thereof. The nozzle can be made movable for constrained changes to the path of liquid flow relative to the rotating filter.