Coffee percolator and method of delivering coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee percolators typically produce coffee of inferior quality due to constant pressure delivery, while lever-operated machines require skilled operation to achieve high-quality coffee, making them inaccessible to non-professionals.
Innovation Solution
A coffee percolator with a multi-boiler system, a pump unit, and a control system that includes a regulation unit and control unit to manage pressure dynamically, mimicking the pressure profiles of lever-operated machines through adjustable delivery pressure and time, allowing for high-quality coffee production without manual expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant pressure delivery is used in automatic coffee percolators, then the operation is simple and automatic, but the coffee quality is inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant pressure delivery to dynamic pressure control. The system automatically adjusts pressure during different delivery phases (pre-infusion at low pressure, main delivery at high pressure) without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automatic operation and coffee quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically during the coffee delivery process. The control system modifies pressure values based on delivery phase, achieving professional-quality extraction profiles automatically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling quality extraction typically requiring manual skill through automated parameter adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If lever-operated machines are used to achieve high-quality coffee, then the coffee quality is superior, but skilled operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically controlling pressure delivery without requiring user skill. The control unit executes pre-programmed pressure profiles, enabling unskilled users to achieve professional-quality coffee extraction. This resolves the contradiction between coffee quality and operation skill requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever operation with an automated control system. The control unit and actuator substitute for the user's manual pressure control, eliminating the need for skilled operation while maintaining high-quality coffee extraction through precise automated pressure management.
3Manufacturing precision
If dynamic pressure control is implemented to mimic lever-operated machines, then coffee quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it manages pressure delivery, controls water flow, coordinates between boilers and delivery unit, and implements various coffee profiles. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering professional-quality coffee through a single integrated control unit rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the user's simple input and the complex requirements of high-quality coffee extraction. It translates user preferences into precise pressure and flow control, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user, thus resolving the contradiction between quality and complexity.
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 production of high-quality coffee infusions automatically, accessible to all users, replicating the pressure control of professional lever-operated machines while being user-friendly and programmable for various coffee extraction profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit (3) in connection of fluid passage with said delivery unit (2), said pump unit (3) being configured to convey water from said water tank to said delivery unit (2) under controlled pressure
Implementation Method 2
a regulation unit (5) arranged between said delivery unit (2) and said pump unit (3), said regulation unit (5) being configured to control the pressure of water delivered to said delivery unit (2)
Implementation Method 3
a multi-boiler
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee percolator (1) includes: a delivery unit (2) configured to deliver water to a filter cup (7) for producing a coffee infusion; a pump unit (3) in fluid connection with said delivery unit (2), and configured to draw water from an external water supply, and to feed said water in a controlled way to said delivery unit (2); a dispensing unit (4) arranged between said delivery unit (2) and said pump unit (3), and configured to take a volumetric amount (Q) of said delivered water; a regulator unit (5) arranged between said delivery unit (2) and said pump unit (3), and configured to control the pressure of the delivered water; an electronic control unit (6) operatively connected to said regulator unit (5), and configured to control, through said regulator unit (5), the delivery pressure (p) of the delivered water; wherein said control unit (6) is operatively connected also to said dispensing unit (4), and configured to define, while delivering said water from said delivery unit (2), two subsequent regulation stages, wherein said delivery pressure (p) is regulated according to one or more predetermined delivery times (t) and one or more volumetric amounts (Q), respectively.