Brewing Machine with Timer-Controlled Valve to Prevent Over-Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tea brewing methods require manual monitoring of brewing time, leading to potential over-brewing and inconvenience in pouring brewed tea, as different types of tea require varying brewing times.
Innovation Solution
A brewing machine equipped with a timer-controlled valve device that automatically releases brewed tea after a pre-set time, using a magnetic valve mechanism to prevent over-brewing and enhance convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual monitoring of brewing time is used, then the brewing process is simple, but over-brewing occurs and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing machine performs self-monitoring of brewing time through an integrated timer, and self-pouring of brewed tea through an automatic valve mechanism. The system serves itself by automatically controlling the brewing process duration and releasing the brewed tea without requiring continuous human attention or manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an electronic timer system that automatically tracks brewing time. The automatic valve mechanism substitutes for manual pouring actions, using electromagnetic or mechanical actuation to open and close the valve based on timer signals, thereby eliminating the need for human intervention in time-keeping and pouring operations.
2Reliability
If timer is used to monitor brewing time, then brewing time can be controlled, but manual pouring is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timer function and the automatic valve control into a single integrated system. The timer not only monitors brewing time but also directly controls the valve actuation mechanism, merging the timing function and the pouring function into one unified device that automatically manages both aspects of the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve actuator serves as an intermediary component between the timer control system and the tea flow. It translates the timer's control signals into mechanical valve opening/closing actions, mediating between the electronic control system and the fluid dynamics of the brewing process, thereby enabling automatic pouring without direct human intervention.
3Extent of automation
If automatic valve mechanism is added, then pouring is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pouring function from the manual operation and separates it into an independent automatic valve mechanism. This extracted function operates autonomously based on timer signals, allowing the pouring action to be automated while keeping the valve mechanism as a distinct, manageable component that can be controlled independently from the brewing container.
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
Prevents over-brewing by ensuring optimal brewing time and simplifies the tea brewing process by automating the tea flow, allowing users to set and forget the brewing time.
Implementation Method 1
When the magnet is moved to the opening position by the actuating mechanism via the control of the timer, the magnet is located next to the valve opening so as to attract the magnet valve to move away from the valve opening; when the magnet is moved to the blocking position by the actuating mechanism, the magnet is kept away from the valve opening and the recess portion, so the magnetic valve is released from the attraction of the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a brewing machine, including: a brewing container, a valve device with a timer function, a timer and a seat frame. The brewing container is mounted on the valve device for brewing tea. The valve device is placed on the seat frame, and is capable of switching between a blocking position and an opening position. The timer can be used to set a brewing time. When the pre-set brewing time is up, the timer will switch the valve device to the opening position, so the brewed tea may flow into a container placed on the seat frame from the brewing container through the valve opening. With the brewing machine of the present invention, the over brewing situations which may cause the bitterness in the taste of the brewed tea can be prevented, and the convenience of the tea brewing process is also improved.