Method for the user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter for coffee beans for preparing a coffee drink by means of a coffee machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in determining optimal brewing parameters for coffee beans, requiring trial and error, especially when switching between different types, which complicates the preparation of coffee drinks and affects the taste experience.

Innovation Solution

A method where coffee beans are grouped and associated with optimized brewing parameters, allowing users to select the type of coffee beans, which automatically communicates the recommended brewing parameters for enhanced aroma and flavor production, eliminating the need for manual experimentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually adjust brewing parameters through trial and error, then they can find optimal settings for their taste preference, but this process requires significant time and repeated attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetaste optimization precisionVSAvoidtime for trial and error
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining and storing optimal brewing parameters for different coffee bean types in a database before the user needs them. When a user selects a coffee bean type, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-optimized parameters, eliminating the need for users to perform trial and error experiments themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually adjust brewing parameters when changing coffee bean types, then they can adapt to different coffee characteristics, but this requires repeating the trial and error process for each new coffee type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different coffee typesVSAvoidrepeated adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate brewing parameters based on the detected coffee bean type. The machine performs the adaptation function itself without requiring user intervention, retrieving pre-stored parameters that are optimized for each specific coffee bean variety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the system provides automated brewing parameter selection, then user convenience is improved and time is saved, but the user's understanding and control over the brewing process may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiduser understanding of brewing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by providing the user with information about the brewing parameters that are being used. The system displays the selected coffee bean type and the corresponding brewing parameters to the user, allowing them to understand what settings are being applied while still benefiting from the automated selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4311459A1Method for the user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter for coffee beans for preparing a coffee drink by means of a coffee machine
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4311459A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4311459A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4311459A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for user-controlled determination of a brewing parameter (P) for coffee beans (3) for preparing a coffee beverage using a coffee machine (1) which has at least one container (2) for storing a type of coffee bean (3). Improved and predictable preparation of coffee beverages with an enhanced taste experience for the user is achieved by assigning the coffee beans (3) to groups (G), with at least one associated brewing parameter (P) being stored for each group (G). The stored types of coffee beans (3) are offered to the user for selection, and depending on the user's selection, at least one brewing parameter (P) from the associated group (G) is communicated to the user, and the coffee beverage is prepared with coffee powder produced from the selected type of coffee bean (3).The invention further relates to a coffee machine (1) operated in this manner and a corresponding computer program product.