Single-Serve Coffee Mixing Chamber for Waste-Free Custom Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single cup automated coffee machines generate significant plastic waste and do not offer customization, as they rely on disposable coffee grounds, which are not eco-friendly and do not cater to individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
A coffee dispenser that mixes liquid coffee extract with hot water and optional flavorings and creamers, eliminating the need for single serving coffee grounds, using a mixing chamber with input ports for concentrates and a water reservoir, controlled by a computer to adjust serving sizes and froth levels, and featuring valves and a pump for precise ingredient mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single serving coffee grounds in disposable cups are used, then coffee can be dispensed quickly and conveniently, but significant plastic waste is generated and the system is not eco-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coffee grounds from the disposable cup system by using a reusable dispenser mechanism that holds coffee grounds in a reservoir. The dispenser allows users to dispense coffee into their own reusable cups, separating the coffee delivery function from the disposable container, thereby eliminating plastic waste while maintaining convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a system where the dispenser can be refilled with coffee grounds and the reusable cup is washed and reused. This creates a cycle of recovery and reuse rather than single-use disposal, reducing plastic waste while maintaining the ease of operation associated with single-serving systems.
2Productivity
If single serving coffee grounds are used, then each cup can be prepared independently, but customization to individual preferences is not offered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic controls that allow users to adjust various parameters such as coffee amount, water temperature, and cup size on the fly. This dynamic adjustability enables customization to individual preferences while maintaining the quick preparation speed of single-serving systems, as users can make adjustments without significantly increasing preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a multi-functional system that can accommodate different cup sizes, coffee types, and flavor preferences through integrated controls. This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple customization needs while maintaining efficient operation, resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If liquid coffee extract is used instead of coffee grounds, then plastic waste is eliminated and health benefits are enhanced, but the device complexity increases with multiple ports, valves, and a mixing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic principles to control the flow of liquid coffee extract through the system. Valves and pumps regulate the extraction and mixing processes, allowing complex functions to be achieved through fluid dynamics rather than complex mechanical mechanisms. This reduces device complexity while eliminating plastic waste through the use of reusable liquid extract containers.
4Manufacturing precision
If a mixing chamber with multiple input ports is used, then customization and mixing precision are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is designed as a segmented system with distinct input ports for different ingredients (coffee extract, water, flavorings). Each port can be independently controlled and calibrated, allowing precise mixing while simplifying manufacturing by using modular, standardized components rather than a complex integrated system.
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
The solution reduces plastic waste by eliminating the need for single serving coffee grounds, allows for customization, and provides health benefits from chlorogenic acids and antioxidants in coffee extracts, such as weight loss and blood pressure reduction.
Implementation Method 1
A heater may be connected in line between the pump and the mixing chamber. The heater may heat the water being mixed with the liquid coffee extract to a sufficiently hot temperature to bring out the flavor of the liquid coffee extract.
Implementation Method 2
A pump may be connected in line between the water reservoir and the mixing chamber.
Implementation Method 3
a mixing chamber or blending chamber which receives a single serving of liquid coffee extract and hot water as well as other flavors (e.g., flavors or creamers) desired by the consumer
Data Source
AI summary
The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a mixing chamber that combines one or more liquid concentrates and heated water, and dispenses a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a forth control to select the forth level of the serving of coffee dispensed. The liquid concentrate may be a coffee extract.