Automatic system and method for preparing and delivering a coffee beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual Neapolitan coffee makers require user intervention during water heating and coffee preparation, leading to potential over- or under-extraction issues, and there is a lack of automatic systems for optimizing coffee preparation by percolation, resulting in inconsistent coffee quality and prolonged preparation times.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system with a C-shaped supporting frame, induction heating, robotic elements, and electronic management for timed and temperature-controlled coffee preparation, allowing for remote programming and reduced user intervention, integrating a device for percolation that includes a frustum-shaped water container, coffee powder container with a filter, and a coffee beverage container for optimized coffee brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual Neapolitan coffee maker is used, then traditional coffee preparation method is maintained, but user intervention is required during water heating and coffee preparation leading to inconsistent coffee quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service coffee preparation through automatic control mechanisms. The microprocessor-controlled system automatically manages water heating, percolation timing, and coffee delivery without requiring user intervention during the brewing process, while maintaining the traditional percolation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. Induction heating elements substitute for manual stovetop heating, electronic timers replace manual timing, and automated valves control water flow instead of manual pouring, thereby eliminating the need for continuous user monitoring.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual timing is used during water heating, then traditional preparation method is followed, but preparation time is prolonged and coffee quality varies due to over- or under-extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and timers that continuously monitor the brewing process. The microprocessor adjusts heating power and water flow based on real-time conditions to maintain optimal extraction parameters, ensuring consistent coffee quality regardless of external variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating water to the exact required temperature before coffee contact and pre-programming the percolation sequence. This eliminates the need for manual timing during critical extraction phases, ensuring precise control over water-coffee contact time and temperature.
3Ease of operation
If traditional percolation method is used, then authentic coffee taste is achieved, but user must be present during entire water heating phase to intervene and overturn the coffee maker
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service coffee preparation through automatic control mechanisms. The microprocessor-controlled system automatically manages water heating, percolation timing, and coffee delivery without requiring user intervention during the brewing process, while maintaining the traditional percolation method.
4Reliability
If manual monitoring during water heating is required, then traditional preparation method is maintained, but coffee quality consistency is compromised due to potential over- or under-extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and timers that continuously monitor the brewing process. The microprocessor adjusts heating power and water flow based on real-time conditions to maintain optimal extraction parameters, ensuring consistent coffee quality regardless of external variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. Induction heating elements substitute for manual stovetop heating, electronic timers replace manual timing, and automated valves control water flow instead of manual pouring, thereby eliminating the need for continuous user monitoring.
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 system reduces preparation time, ensures consistent coffee quality, and allows for optimal temperature control and timed brewing, minimizing user intervention and enhancing the replicability of coffee preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating means (3), such as, for example, an induction plate
Implementation Method 2
descent of the water due to the force of gravity, through the tank and the coffee filter; and obtaining by percolating the coffee beverage
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An automatic system (1), and its related method, are described, for preparing and delivering a coffee beverage by percolation; the system (1) comprises: carrier means (100); a device (10) for preparing and containing the coffee beverage of the carrier means (100); first heating means (3) to heat water contained inside first containing means (4); second heating means (5), to pre-heat third containing means (2); a robotic element (7), to perform a rotation of the device (10) by a plane angle through a motor-reducer; and a device for electronically managing the system (1).