Method and apparatus for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems lack a simple and effective way to manage the combination of factors that influence the quality of the final beverage, such as espresso coffee, making it difficult for users to achieve consistent and personalized results.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows users to select and configure voltage trends for the supply of liquid during beverage preparation, enabling precise control over the flow rate through predefined configurations and user-defined programs, with real-time adjustments to ensure quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users directly control multiple brewing parameters manually, then beverage quality can be optimized, but the system becomes too complex for users to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing process is divided into multiple discrete steps (pre-infusion, infusion, etc.), each with specific parameter ranges. This segmentation allows the complex brewing process to be broken down into manageable segments that can be controlled through a simplified user interface, resolving the contradiction between beverage quality optimization and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides pre-configured parameter sets (programs) that define specific voltage trends, flow rates, and pressure profiles for different beverage types. Users can select from these pre-optimized parameter combinations rather than adjusting individual parameters manually, maintaining beverage quality while reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the pump operates at constant speed throughout brewing, then the system is simple to control, but beverage quality cannot be optimized through variable flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system transitions from constant speed operation to variable speed operation with predefined voltage trends. The control unit applies different voltage profiles (increasing, decreasing, or constant) during different brewing steps, enabling dynamic flow rate adjustment that optimizes beverage quality while maintaining automated control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing process uses periodic voltage adjustments to the pump motor, applying different voltage levels at different time intervals corresponding to different brewing phases. This periodic action enables variable flow rates during pre-infusion and infusion steps, improving beverage quality without requiring complex real-time user intervention.
3Productivity
If water flow is continuously supplied to the brewing chamber, then the brewing process is simple, but pre-infusion absorption cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow to the brewing chamber is applied periodically rather than continuously. During pre-infusion, water is supplied in controlled pulses or at reduced flow rates, then interrupted to allow coffee grounds to absorb the water. This periodic action optimizes extraction quality while maintaining overall brewing efficiency through automated timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary wetting of the coffee grounds during pre-infusion before the main infusion phase. This preliminary action allows the coffee to absorb water and prepare for optimal extraction, improving beverage quality without significantly extending the total brewing time due to automated sequencing.
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 users to easily customize and optimize beverage preparation by controlling the flow rate and pressure, ensuring consistent and high-quality results through precise control of the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (6), connected to said pump (3), configured so as to be able to receive at input a variable supply voltage (V) and, consequently, operate the pump (3) so that it will have a variable flow rate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
Described herein is a method for preparing a beverage by means of an apparatus (1) comprising: at least one brewing chamber (2); at least one pump (3) and one hydraulic circuit (4) for supplying a pressurised liquid to said brewing chamber (2); at least one heater (5) for heating said liquid; and at least one electric motor (6) for operating said at least one pump (3). The method comprises the steps of: i) supplying a supply voltage (V) to said electric motor (6) according to a first configuration, for a pre-set period of time or until a pre-defined value of said supply voltage (V) is reached, so as to operate said pump (3) and supply said liquid to said brewing chamber (2); and ii) once said step i) is completed, supplying a supply voltage (V) to said electric motor (6) according to a second configuration, different from said first configuration, so as to operate said pump (3) and supply said liquid to said brewing chamber (2); wherein said first and second configurations define at least one trend of the supply voltage (V) that is variable or constant over time.