Coffee machine and coffee extraction method with such a coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee machines lack the ability to control process variables and customize coffee recipes, particularly for 'cold brew' coffee, resulting in inconsistent organoleptic properties and limited versatility in brewing various coffee types.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with an infusion circuit that includes a water tank, supply pump, electric heater, and infusion unit, featuring selectable extraction cycles with temperature regulation steps to ensure precise temperature control for each brewing method, allowing for the preparation of espresso, drip, and 'cold brew' coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current coffee machines are used for cold brew preparation, then coffee can be dispensed, but the process variables cannot be controlled resulting in deterioration of organoleptic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature, pressure, and flow rate parameters based on the selected brewing mode (espresso, drip, cold brew). The pump speed varies to control water flow rate, the heater adjusts temperature in real-time, and the valve regulates pressure, enabling precise control of process variables for each coffee type
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate) according to the brewing method. For cold brew, it uses low temperature (15-25°C), low pressure (1-3 bar), and slow flow rate. For espresso, it uses high temperature (90-96°C), high pressure (9-10 bar), and fast flow rate, ensuring optimal organoleptic properties for each coffee type
2Adaptability or versatility
If current coffee machines are used for cold brew preparation, then coffee can be dispensed, but the machine lacks versatility to customize products
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee machine is designed with multi-functionality to prepare multiple coffee types (espresso, drip, cold brew, Americano, latte) using a single device. The system includes a programmable controller with multiple extraction cycles, adjustable parameters, and interchangeable brewing components, allowing one machine to serve multiple purposes while maintaining reliable organoleptic properties for each coffee type
3Reliability
If temperature is not precisely controlled during extraction, then the brewing process is simple, but the organoleptic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the water temperature during extraction and provide feedback to the programmable controller. The controller adjusts the heater power in real-time to maintain the desired temperature profile, ensuring precise temperature control for optimal organoleptic properties while managing system complexity through automated feedback loops
4Reliability
If multiple coffee types are prepared with fixed parameters, then the machine is simple to operate, but it cannot ensure desired organoleptic properties for each type
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programmes multiple extraction cycles with optimized parameters for different coffee types (espresso, drip, cold brew, Americano, latte). Each cycle contains pre-configured temperature profiles, pressure settings, and flow rates. The user simply selects the desired coffee type, and the system automatically executes the pre-optimized parameters, ensuring reliable organoleptic properties 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 consistent production of coffee beverages with desired organoleptic properties and versatility in brewing different coffee types by precisely regulating temperature and pressure, enhancing the quality and customization of coffee recipes.
Implementation Method 1
a water supply pump, an electric heater and an infusion unit
Implementation Method 2
activating the supply pump to generate a heat regulation water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee extraction method with a coffee machine comprising an infusion circuit comprising a supply pump, an electric heater and an infusion unit having an infusion chamber where a dose of coffee powder can be positioned, connected in sequence, wherein the machine stores a plurality of selectable extraction cycles each including in sequence an infusion circuit heat regulation step, a step of introducing said dose into said infusion chamber, and a step of extracting coffee having an initial coffee extraction temperature value, and after acquiring a selection of a coffee extraction cycle, compares the value of a temperature along the infusion circuit with the initial extraction temperature value of the selected extraction cycle, and performs the heat regulation step by activating the supply pump to generate a heat regulation water flow until the detected temperature value achieves the initial extraction temperature value of the selected extraction cycle.