Brewer Pressure and Vacuum Control for Multi-Volume Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current brewing systems are limited to producing a single size of coffee, leading to inefficiencies such as wasted filter tape and user frustration due to interruptions during multi-dispense cycles, and inefficient filter tape usage.
Innovation Solution
A brewer system with a reservoir, steeping chamber, and filter tape, utilizing a pressure control system with a gas and vacuum pump to agitate brewing substances, an automated controller for precise brewing cycles, and a sensor system to optimize filter tape usage and dispensing, allowing for multiple brew cycles and efficient filter tape management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple cups of coffee are brewed to achieve multivolume dispense, then beverage volume is improved, but customer satisfaction deteriorates due to interruptions and cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary brewing of multiple cups of coffee and stores them in a reservoir before the customer receives the beverage. This allows the brewing process to be completed in advance, eliminating interruptions during dispensing and preventing cooling of the beverage while the customer waits.
2Ease of operation
If filter tape is collected on a spool to detect roll size, then tape collection is simplified, but filter tape waste increases due to larger volume being taken up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spool-based filter tape collection system with a sensor-based detection system. Optical or capacitive sensors monitor the filter tape usage and detect when the roll is depleted, eliminating the need for a large spool and reducing filter tape waste while maintaining ease of operation.
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 the production of multiple brew sizes with reduced waste and user confusion, optimizing brew cycle time and filter tape efficiency, ensuring a consistent and efficient coffee dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
The gas pump pressurizes the reservoir to drive gas through the mouth into the chamber to agitate the brewing substance and water
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum pump removes gas from the reservoir to form at least a partial vacuum and pull brewed beverage into the reservoir through the mouth
Implementation Method 3
a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber to form a brewed beverage that passes through the filter tape and into the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steeping chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber and can be controllably agitated using a controllable gas pump coupled to the reservoir to form a brewed beverage. The brewed beverage can be drawn through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth under the influence of a controllable vacuum pump coupled to and controllably communicating with the reservoir.