Automatic Coffeemaker Dynamic Temperature Infusion for Cold Brew
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage brewing systems are inefficient in preparing both hot and cold beverages with varying flavor profiles, as they often require lengthy processes and cannot adapt temperature and fluid volume dynamically to achieve desired flavors.
Innovation Solution
A beverage brewing apparatus that varies the temperature of fluid during infusion cycles and allows for multiple infusion cycles with different fluid volumes, temperatures, and steeping times, depending on the type and volume of beverage being prepared, using a brew basket with a steeping valve and pressure source to optimize flavor extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cold brewing is performed using ambient or chilled liquid dispensed into coffee grinds for extended steeping, then cold brewed beverage is prepared, but the process takes hours to achieve desired flavor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature between infusion cycles - using higher temperatures in earlier cycles for faster extraction and lower temperatures in later cycles for flavor refinement. This dynamic temperature adjustment enables cold brew preparation in minutes rather than hours, resolving the contradiction between achieving cold beverage temperature and reducing brewing time
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing process uses periodic infusion cycles with alternating temperature phases. Multiple brief infusion cycles are performed sequentially, each contributing to progressive flavor extraction. This periodic approach achieves complete extraction in minutes compared to continuous long-duration steeping, resolving the time-temperature contradiction
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple infusion cycles with varying temperature and fluid volume are performed, then customizable flavor profiles and extraction optimization are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes multiple parameters (temperature, fluid volume, infusion duration, number of cycles) to achieve different flavor profiles. Each infusion cycle can have independently adjustable parameters, allowing optimization for different coffee types and desired flavors. This parametric control provides high adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple brewing chamber structure
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform various brewing methods (cold brew, hot brew, espresso-style) using the same basic infrastructure. The steeping valve, pressure source, and infusion mechanism serve multiple functions across different brewing modes, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature of fluid is varied during infusion cycles, then flavor extraction is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing process is segmented into multiple discrete infusion cycles, each with its own temperature specification. Rather than requiring continuous temperature modulation within a single cycle, the system uses separate heating/cooling phases between cycles. This segmentation simplifies temperature control while achieving precise flavor extraction through cumulative effect of multiple temperature-adjusted infusions
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 preparation of hot and cold beverages efficiently with customizable flavor profiles by dynamically adjusting temperature and fluid volume, enhancing the extraction of flavors and consistency of brewed beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a heating mechanism operable to heat the fluid supplied from the fluid reservoir to a desired temperature prior to delivery to the brew basket
Implementation Method 2
a pump in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and operable to deliver the fluid to the heating mechanism and the brew basket
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a brewed beverage using a beverage brewing apparatus includes providing a flavorant, identifying a process cycle including one or more infusion cycles for preparing the brewed beverage, performing said one or more infusion cycles, wherein said performing of said one or more infusion cycles includes providing fluid to said flavorant, and varying a temperature of said fluid provided to said flavorant during a single infusion cycle of said one or more infusion cycles, or between a plurality of infusion cycles of said one or more infusion cycles.