BREW assist scale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weigh scales for pour over coffee preparation are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring users to manually calculate and measure water amounts based on coffee-to-water ratios, which can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent brew assist scale with a main body, weigh pan, user input components, and a processor that automatically detects coffee weights, calculates target water weights, and provides real-time feedback to ensure accurate water pouring, allowing for streamlined and precise beverage preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weigh scales are used for pour over coffee preparation, then the scale can provide exact weight for coffee grounds, but the user must manually calculate and measure water amounts which is cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coffee weighing function and water measurement function into a single integrated scale system. The scale automatically tracks both coffee weight and water weight, merging two separate measurement tasks into one unified device, thereby eliminating the need for manual calculation and separate measurement steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The scale provides real-time feedback to the user by displaying the current water weight and automatically calculating the remaining water needed to reach the target amount. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the pouring process, reducing errors and making operation easier.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional weigh scales require manual calculation of water amounts based on coffee to water ratio, then the user has control over the brewing process, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The scale performs preliminary actions by automatically calculating the target water weight based on the detected coffee weight and pre-programmed coffee-to-water ratios. This preliminary calculation eliminates the need for the user to perform manual math during the brewing process, saving time while maintaining ratio control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically tracking the water weight being added and calculating the remaining amount needed. The scale performs the mathematical operations and provides guidance without requiring user intervention for calculations, thereby reducing time loss while preserving adaptability.
3Device complexity
If traditional weigh scales are used for beverage preparation, then the basic weighing function is sufficient, but the scale lacks automated water weight detection and real-time feedback capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a basic weighing device and an automated brewing assistant. It can detect coffee weight, track water weight, calculate ratios, and provide real-time feedback, making it a universal device that handles multiple brewing tasks without requiring additional specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to assist with beverage preparation can include a main body having an outer housing, a weigh pan coupled to the main body, one or more user input components and a display component disposed at the outer housing, and a processor disposed within the main body. The weigh pan can support beverage components to be weighed, the user input components can accept user inputs regarding desired settings for beverage preparation, and the display component can display outputs regarding weights detected on the weigh pan The processor can facilitate automatically detecting the weight of ground coffee placed atop the weigh pan, determining a water target weight based on the detected ground coffee weight and a water ratio setting, detecting the water target weight being reached while water is being poured over the ground coffee, and providing output to a user when the water target weight is reached.