Beverage brewing system and related methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee and beverage brewing machines that use capsule or sachet-style packages lack the ability to adjust the total dissolved solids based on the type or size of the beverage ingredient, leading to inconsistent flavor profiles and strength.
Innovation Solution
A beverage brewing system with a flexible ingredient container and an expansion limiter that allows the container to expand to a maximum volume in one mode and an intermediate volume in another, controlling the extraction of solids by adjusting the liquid pressure and container expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beverage ingredient container is allowed to expand freely during beverage vend, then the liquid can be introduced more easily and the beverage ingredient can be extracted efficiently, but the total dissolved solids cannot be controlled and the flavor profile becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the expansion of the beverage ingredient container through an expansion limiter. The limiter restricts the container's expansion to a predetermined volume, thereby controlling the amount of liquid introduced and the contact between liquid and beverage ingredient. This enables precise control over total dissolved solids and flavor profile consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the expansion limiter prevents the beverage ingredient container from expanding to maximum volume, then the total dissolved solids can be controlled, but the beverage volume and extraction efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the expansion limiter adjustable between different positions. The limiter can be positioned to allow partial expansion for controlled extraction, or adjusted to permit greater expansion for higher volume beverages. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize between precision control and extraction efficiency based on the desired beverage type.
3Quantity of substance
If the beverage ingredient container expands to maximum volume, then the beverage volume increases, but the flavor strength becomes too weak and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the expansion volume of the beverage ingredient container. The expansion limiter is positioned at predetermined locations corresponding to different beverage types (e.g., espresso, cappuccino, latte). By selecting the appropriate limiter position, the system controls both the beverage volume and the flavor strength, ensuring consistent flavor profiles across different beverage sizes.
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 precise control over the strength and flavor of brewed beverages, allowing for customizable strength and volume without increasing the amount of beverage ingredient, enhancing the efficiency and quality of the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
the body portion being flexible so that, when it is unimpeded during a beverage vend, it can expand from an initial volume to a maximum volume
Implementation Method 2
an expansion limiter that can limit the expansion of the beverage ingredient container during the beverage vend
Implementation Method 3
a liquid is introduced into the cavity; the liquid mixing with the beverage ingredient in the cavity to form a beverage
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage brewing system which includes a container and a beverage brewing apparatus. The container may include a body portion defining a cavity containing a beverage ingredient. The body portion may be flexible so that when it is unimpeded during a beverage vend is can expand from an initial volume to a maximum volume. The beverage brewing apparatus may support the container and may include an expansion limiter that can limit the expansion of the container during the beverage vend. The beverage brewing apparatus may operate in a first mode whereby the expansion limiter does not impede the container and the container expands from the initial state to the maximum expanded state during the beverage vend. The beverage brewing apparatus may operate in a second mode whereby the expansion limiter impedes the container and prevents the container from expanding to the maximum expanded state during the beverage vend.