Automatic Coffee Maker Temperature Control via Metered Cold Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting the dispensing temperature of hot beverages in automatic coffee makers are limited by dependence on ambient temperatures, coffee quantities, and heat transfer surfaces, resulting in poor controllability and inability to produce beverages at individually desired temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting the dispensing temperature of hot beverages by controlling the addition of cold water using a machine-controlled metering valve, allowing precise adjustment of the temperature through direct or indirect cooling, enabling individual recipes and product variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hot brewed coffee is cooled exclusively indirectly through heat exchangers, then the coffee can be cooled down, but the output temperature cannot be individually produced and adjusted due to dependence on ambient temperatures, coffee quantities, and heat transfer surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is segmented into two distinct stages: first indirect cooling through a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature from brewing temperature to an intermediate range, then direct cooling by adding controlled amounts of cold water to achieve the final desired temperature. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with the direct cooling stage providing precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
Cold water acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the temperature gap between the hot brewed coffee and the desired final serving temperature. By introducing this intermediate cooling medium in a controlled manner, the system achieves precise temperature adjustment that cannot be obtained through indirect cooling alone.
2Manufacturing precision
If cold water is added directly to coffee with controlled quantity, then the temperature can be adjusted precisely, but the concentration determination and flow rate control increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the coffee through the heat exchanger before the direct cold water addition stage. This preliminary action reduces the temperature differential required in the second stage, allowing for simpler flow rate control and reducing the complexity of concentration determination while still achieving the desired final temperature with high precision.
3Quantity of substance
If a pump is used to add cold water, then the cold water can be supplied, but the metering process controllability becomes relatively poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pump-based mechanical metering system with a valve-based flow control system. The valve allows for more precise and controllable metering of cold water by adjusting the opening degree, providing better controllability compared to pump-based systems while still ensuring adequate cold water supply to the coffee.
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 precise control of the dispensing temperature of hot beverages, allowing for individual recipe adjustments and maintaining high product variety, with energy and water savings through efficient cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
hot water is provided by a boiler. The water supplied is heated inside the boiler to temperatures preferably above 75° C.
Implementation Method 2
the caffeinated hot beverage is prepared by a brewing unit
Implementation Method 3
hot brewed coffee is cooled to a temperature below the brewing temperature exclusively indirectly through the use of heat exchangers
Implementation Method 4
controlling the addition of cold water using a machine-controlled metering valve
Data Source
AI summary
A method, and apparatus for implementing the method, for adjusting a dispensing temperature of a hot beverage by an automatic beverage maker. The temperature of the hot beverage and/or the water supplied to a brewing unit for producing the hot beverage is measured. The measured temperature is compared with a desired value and the temperature of the hot beverage is adjusted to the desired value by cooling. The hot beverage or the water supplied to the brewing unit for producing the hot beverage is cooled directly via a machine-controlled addition of cold water. The temperature is adapted to the desired value by an amount of cold water supplied by the machine-controlled addition of cold water. The temperature is adapted by a controllable metering valve that meters the amount of added cold water.