Infused Beverage Pump Control for Independent Pressure and Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage brewing systems lack independent control over infusion pressure and flow rate, leading to inconsistent flavor and chemical composition, and fail to provide precise temperature control, making it difficult to optimize and replicate brewed beverages.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a Solvent Flow Management System (SFMS), Solvent Temperature Management System (STMS), and Solution Pressure Management System (SPMS) that includes a pump with a piston and drive system for precise control of solvent flow and temperature, along with a flow control valve and heating element to manage infusion pressure independently of flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If infusion pressure is modified by modulating the resistance of filter media while holding pumping energy constant, then infusion pressure changes, but infusion flow rate also changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates pressure control and flow rate control into independent subsystems. Pressure is controlled by modulating filter media resistance, while flow rate is controlled by adjusting pumping energy. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently without affecting the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters (pumping energy and filter resistance) to achieve desired infusion pressure and flow rate independently. By adjusting these parameters separately, the system can maintain optimal extraction conditions while controlling the rate of solvent passage through the coffee bed.
2Stress or pressure
If infusion pressure is modified by variation of solvent pumping force while keeping filter media resistance constant, then infusion pressure increases, but infusion flow rate also changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides pressure control and flow rate control into separate functions. Pumping force variation controls pressure, while filter resistance modulation controls flow rate. This independent control architecture resolves the coupling between pressure and flow rate that exists in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system independently adjusts pumping force and filter resistance parameters to achieve target pressure and flow rate values. This dual-parameter control allows the system to maintain consistent flow rate while varying pressure to optimize extraction.
3Quantity of substance
If solvent is dispensed from a boiler by pumping solution into the boiler, then solvent supply is provided, but temperature differential causes inconsistent temperature and greater variation with larger volume and faster rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats or pre-cools the solvent to the target temperature before dispensing. By preparing the solvent at the correct temperature in advance and maintaining it during dispensing, the system eliminates temperature variations that would otherwise occur during the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous temperature control during solvent dispensing through active heating or cooling. This ensures that the solvent temperature remains consistent throughout the entire brewing process, regardless of dispensing rate or volume.
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 and consistent control of brewing parameters, allowing for optimized flavor and chemical composition of infused beverages by independently managing flow rate, pressure, and temperature, resulting in improved consistency and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the pump drive system is operably configured to selectively drive the piston along the piston translation path, when the flow control valve is in the selectively closed position, to induce a negative pressure and the flow of fluid through a solute housed in the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pump with a piston and drive system for precise control of solvent flow and temperature, along with a flow control valve and heating element to manage infusion pressure independently of flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A device for creating infused beverages that includes a solvent flow management system having a pump body with a pump bore defining a pump interior volume, a piston disposed within the pump interior volume and in a fluidically sealed configuration with the pump bore, and a pump drive system operably coupled to the piston to generate a piston translation path. The device also includes a solvent-flow conduit and in fluid communication with the pump interior volume and a brewing chamber, an outlet, and a flow control valve, wherein the pump drive system is operably configured to selectively drive the piston along the piston translation path, when the flow control valve is in a selectively closed position, to induce a negative pressure and the flow of fluid through a solute housed in the brewing chamber, downstream and through the solvent-flow conduit, and into the pump interior volume.