Beverage brewing machine and method of preparing beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic beverage machines face challenges in optimizing brewing parameters to achieve the optimal extraction yield, which affects the quality and efficiency of the brewing process, and are limited in producing both hot and cold beverages efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a recirculation or inversion system that allows for repeated passage of the brewing liquid through the material, using a pump and electronic control to manage the flow, enabling real-time control of extraction yield and efficient energy use, and the ability to produce both hot and cold beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the contact time between brewing liquid and anhydrous material is increased to improve extraction yield, then the quality of the beverage is improved, but the productivity of the machine decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a recirculation system that repeatedly passes brewing liquid through the anhydrous material in cycles. This allows extended extraction time without proportionally increasing total brewing time, as the same liquid is reused multiple times rather than requiring continuous fresh water flow. The periodic recirculation cycles enable thorough extraction while maintaining efficient throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the brewing liquid in constant circulation through the coffee grounds until optimal extraction is achieved. Rather than stopping or wasting liquid, the system continuously reuses the brewing liquid, ensuring that every portion of liquid contributes maximally to extraction before being discarded, thus improving both extraction yield and efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If heating temperature of the brewing liquid is increased to improve extraction efficiency, then the extraction yield is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the brewing liquid temperature to a specific range (90-96°C) rather than using boiling water. This temperature optimization provides sufficient heat for effective extraction while avoiding excessive energy consumption. The recirculation system further enhances extraction at this moderate temperature through repeated contact, demonstrating that optimal parameter selection combined with process repetition can reduce energy use while maintaining high extraction efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the material dose is increased to improve extraction yield, then the quality of beverage is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a reduced dose of anhydrous material (5-7g instead of the traditional 10-12g) while compensating through extended contact time achieved by recirculation. The system extracts sufficient solubles from a smaller material quantity by repeatedly passing the brewing liquid through the grounds, thereby reducing material consumption per beverage while maintaining or improving extraction yield.
4Manufacturing precision
If a recirculation system is added to improve extraction control, then the extraction yield control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the recirculation function into the existing brewing system using the same pump and hydraulic circuit that already circulate water during normal brewing. The recirculation mode is achieved by reconfiguring existing valves and flow paths rather than adding completely separate recirculation components. This approach enables extraction control through recirculation while minimizing increases in device complexity by utilizing and combining existing system elements.
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
This approach enhances the extraction efficiency, reduces material and energy consumption, and allows for real-time correction of under-extraction, improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of the brewing process while enabling the production of both hot and cold beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (15) downstream of the brewing assembly (1) to force the beverage to flow through the brewing assembly (1) in reverse direction
Implementation Method 2
a detecting device (18) to measure an extraction yield of the beverage produced by the brewing assembly (1)
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic beverage preparation machine with a brewing assembly; brewing material supply device to supply a brewing material dose to the brewing assembly at the beginning of each beverage production cycle; water supply means to supply the brewing assembly with a metered amount of water required to produce a beverage; a beverage-dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the brewing assembly; and brewing process repeating means of the designed to reverse the beverage flow one or more times through the brewing material dose in the brewing assembly before being dispensed into a collection receptacle.