Brewing device having a temperature optimized singular brew sized water chamber ontop configured to flow temperature optimized water to a brewing basket via gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drip type coffee makers suffer from temperature fluctuations and uneven water distribution, resulting in poorly extracted, less flavorful coffee, especially in the first few cups, due to intermittent hot water flow and uncontrollable cold water heating.
Innovation Solution
The coffee machine design places the water tank and heating system on top to minimize energy loss, using a pour-over system for even water distribution and a valve system to control temperature, ensuring optimal water temperature between 92° C. to 96° C. by switching between hot and cold water chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hot water is pumped from bottom to top via pipes and tubes, then water can be delivered to brewing basket, but significant energy loss occurs during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional bottom-to-top water delivery system by placing the water tank and heating system on top of the machine. Hot water flows downward to the brewing basket via gravity, eliminating the need for pumps and extensive piping, thereby minimizing energy loss and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pump and extensive piping system from the conventional design. By using gravity-fed flow from the top-mounted water tank, the system eliminates the need for mechanical pumps and complex tubing, reducing both energy consumption and device complexity
2Temperature
If small amount of cold water is withdrawn and heated up by heater, then water can be supplied to brewing basket, but output temperature is uncontrollable and coffee temperature is too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary heating by maintaining a reservoir of pre-heated water in the water tank before brewing begins. This ensures that when water is drawn for brewing, it is already at or near the optimal temperature, eliminating temperature fluctuations and ensuring consistent coffee temperature from the first cup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous heating of the water reservoir to ensure water remains at optimal temperature throughout the brewing process. This continuous temperature maintenance eliminates the temperature drops that occur in conventional systems when cold water is intermittently heated, ensuring consistent coffee temperature
3Manufacturing precision
If intermittent hot water flow is used, then water can be delivered to coffee grounds, but distribution is uneven and coffee is poorly extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pour-over system as an intermediary mechanism between the water tank and brewing basket. This system includes a shower head or distribution manifold that evenly distributes hot water across the coffee grounds, ensuring uniform saturation and extraction while maintaining efficient brewing flow
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
This design achieves consistent and optimal beverage temperature, reducing energy loss and brewing time, while ensuring better flavor and aroma, meeting industry standards for coffee brewing temperature.
Implementation Method 1
the water inside the hot water chamber would be heated up
Implementation Method 2
the flow path between the hot water chamber and filter basket would be opened to dispense the hot water into the underlying filter basket by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a beverage machine that heats up water in the upper water chamber(s). The water has direct contact with an electric heating system and the heated water flows by gravity and being distributed by a pour over system into an underlying filter basket. The hot water chamber comprises a sensor for water temperature. Once the water reaches an optimal temperature, a motor and gear system would drive a valve open and allow the heated water to flow into the underlying filter basket. The present invention allows certain amount of water to be heated up in individual batch, thereby making it easy to manage water temperature in every batch.