A method and apparatus for the preparation of a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewing machines require manual adjustment of brewing parameters based on the type, origin, or manufacturer of the coffee, which is time-consuming, subjective, and often inconsistent.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a sensing arrangement to determine the characteristics of a coffee product, such as a marker applied to the coffee beans, to automatically set the brewing parameters for optimal coffee preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of brewing parameters is used, then the brewing machine can be operated with simple equipment, but the brewing consistency and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee product itself provides identification information through embedded markers (RFID tags, barcodes, or physical characteristics) that the sensing arrangement automatically detects. The system serves itself by having the coffee product carry its own identification data, eliminating the need for manual parameter setting while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of brewing parameters is replaced by an automated sensing and control system. The sensing arrangement detects markers on coffee products and automatically configures brewing parameters, substituting human operation with optical, electromagnetic, or other non-mechanical detection methods.
2Productivity
If manual parameter adjustment is required, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee product carries identification markers that enable the system to automatically identify and configure brewing parameters without requiring user input. The product essentially tells the machine how to brew it, eliminating manual adjustment steps and reducing user effort to zero.
Solution Approach 2:
Identification markers are pre-applied to coffee products during manufacturing. This preliminary action embeds the necessary information before the brewing process, allowing the machine to automatically retrieve and apply the correct parameters without real-time user intervention.
3Extent of automation
If no identification system is used, then the coffee product remains simple, but the ability to automatically determine brewing parameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The identification function is extracted from the brewing machine and placed onto the coffee product itself through markers. This separates the identification task from the brewing mechanism, allowing the product to carry its own identification data in a simple, non-intrusive manner.
Solution Approach 2:
Markers serve as intermediaries between the coffee product and the sensing arrangement. These markers (RFID tags, barcodes, or physical characteristics) mediate the communication, allowing the machine to automatically identify the product type and retrieve appropriate brewing parameters without direct complex interaction.
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 solution enables consistent brewing parameters based on the coffee product alone, automates the brewing process, and reduces the need for user input, resulting in improved convenience and consistency of the brewed coffee.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing arrangement may be configured to detect one or more substances or molecules within the marker. The substances or molecules may comprise simple sugars, native chlorogenic acid; manno-oligosaccharides; galactomannans; an antioxidant, calcium, magnesium, potassium and chloride.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method of determining the brewing parameters for preparing a coffee beverage with a coffee brewing apparatus, comprising: receiving, at a sensing arrangement, a coffee product for brewing a coffee beverage; obtaining, with the sensing arrangement, a characteristic of the coffee product; using the characteristic to determine one or more brewing parameter for the coffee product and brewing a coffee beverage using the one or more brewing parameter.