Beverage brewer with multi- and single-cup modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage brewers either require pre-packaged brewing material or lack the ability to brew variable quantities, limiting user flexibility and flavor extraction from loose ground brewing material.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode beverage brewer with a flow controller and magnetic sensing system that allows for adjustable water flow and brewing quantity selection, enabling the use of loose ground brewing material and supporting variable output quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-packaged brewing material in closed pods is used, then brewing material can be tamped for better flavor extraction, but the system does not allow use of bulk ground brewing material
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is designed to accept both pre-packaged pods and loose ground brewing material through the same tamping mechanism. The system provides universal compatibility by allowing users to choose between convenient pre-packaged options and customizable loose material, making the device multi-functional for different brewing preferences and needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a beverage brewer is designed for multiple cup sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller is designed as an adjustable mechanism that can dynamically change water flow rates to accommodate different brewing quantities. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to provide variable cup sizes (single cup, multiple cups, carafe) without requiring separate brewing chambers or complex mechanical configurations, thereby achieving versatility with controlled complexity.
3Ease of operation
If loose ground brewing material is used without tamping, then ease of operation is improved, but flavor extraction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automatic tamping mechanism that activates when the brewing chamber is loaded with loose ground material. The tamping element automatically compacts the material to optimal density without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring proper compaction for flavor extraction. The system serves itself by detecting when material is loaded and initiating the tamping process automatically.
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 flexible brewing of beverages from loose ground material with adjustable output, enhancing flavor extraction and user convenience by allowing selection between different brewing quantities.
Implementation Method 1
The selector is configured as a magnet and a magnetic sensing element. One each of the magnet and the magnetic sensing element is arranged in the body and in the tray.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode beverage brewer includes a body, a brewing chamber in the body configured to receive beverage brewing material, a flow controller in the body, a selector, and a tray. The flow controller is configured to control a flow of water to the brewing chamber such that in a first mode a first quantity of water or in a second mode a second quantity of water is provided to the brew chamber. The selector is configured to actuate the first mode or the second mode of the flow controller. The tray is configured to support a brewed beverage container to receive a brewed beverage from the brewing chamber. The selector is configured as a magnet and a magnetic sensing element. One each of the magnet and the magnetic sensing element is arranged in the body and in the tray.