Coffee Water pH Adjustment for Consistent Taste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee makers produce varying coffee tastes due to differences in water properties and consumer preferences, as existing technologies do not effectively control water pH, leading to inconsistent coffee quality despite using the same coffee beans.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that adjust the pH value of water in coffee makers using a control unit and pH adjustment unit to set a target pH value based on desired coffee taste, consumer preferences, and brewing conditions, incorporating pH adjustment technologies like Uni-D pH adjustment and ion exchange to ensure consistent taste and descale the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coffee makers are used in various environments with different water properties, then coffee making is convenient and accessible, but the taste of coffee becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH value of water to a specific target range (6.5-7.5) to compensate for variations in water properties from different sources. The control unit modifies the chemical parameter (pH) of the water to ensure consistent coffee taste extraction regardless of the original water composition, thereby resolving the contradiction between using convenient tap water and maintaining taste consistency.
2Reliability
If coffee makers brew coffee according to expert recommendations, then coffee taste is optimized for general preference, but individual consumer preferences cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pH adjustment adaptable and variable based on user input. The control unit can modify the target pH value or brewing parameters according to individual consumer preferences stored in memory or input via user interface, allowing the same coffee maker to dynamically adjust to different taste preferences while maintaining a baseline of expert-certified quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pH adjustment is applied to control coffee taste, then water property variations are compensated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic control unit that autonomously measures the water pH and adjusts it to the target value without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the pH adjustment process, eliminating the need for users to manually test or adjust pH levels, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining taste consistency.
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
This solution significantly reduces the impact of water properties on coffee taste, allowing for consistent flavor regardless of water quality and consumer preferences, while also addressing scaling issues through targeted pH adjustments and ion exchange, enhancing crema volume and maintaining optimal coffee acidity.
Implementation Method 1
The pH adjustment unit is configured to adjust, in response to the adjustment control signal applied to the pH adjustment unit, the pH value of water to be fed into a brewing unit of a coffee maker to the target pH value
Implementation Method 2
incorporating pH adjustment technologies like Uni-D pH adjustment and ion exchange to ensure consistent taste and descale the machine
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided an apparatus for controlling the taste of coffee, a method of controlling the taste of coffee and a coffee maker comprising said apparatus. The apparatus comprises a control unit (102a), configured to determine a target pH value of water corresponding to a desired coffee taste, and a corresponding adjustment control signal; and a pH adjustment unit (102b), configured to adjust, in response to the adjustment control signal applied to the pH adjustment unit (102b), the pH value of water to be fed into a brewing unit of a coffee maker to the target pH value. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the pH value of water to be fed to a brewing unit of a coffee maker may be adjusted for a desired coffee taste. In such a manner, the influence of water properties on the taste of coffee may be greatly decreased, and thus it is possible to make coffee with the same desired taste even when water with different properties is used.