Cold brew beverage brewing systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold brewing methods and devices are either designed for brewing substances other than coffee or have structural differences that do not facilitate the production of a high-quality, concentrated cold brew coffee extract.
Innovation Solution
A cold brew coffee apparatus featuring a brew chamber, an extract chamber, and a centerpiece connector, which allows for a fully enclosed, hourglass-shaped system with a unique coffee filter system that is free-standing and integrates easily into the brew chamber, enabling efficient cold brew infusion and storage of the extract for up to two weeks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cold water is used for brewing coffee, then the acidic taste is reduced and flavor is improved, but the extraction efficiency and concentration of the beverage is lower compared to hot brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from hot to cold water brewing, which fundamentally alters the extraction characteristics. This parameter change reduces the acidic taste by avoiding the dissolution of bitter oils and acids that occur at high temperatures, while the extended brewing time compensates for the lower extraction rate to achieve adequate concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs extended periodic action by allowing cold water to brew coffee grounds for an extended period (typically 12-24 hours). This prolonged exposure time compensates for the slower extraction rate of cold water, enabling sufficient concentration to be achieved without the need for high temperatures that would produce acidic flavors.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cold brewing is used, then the beverage can be stored for extended periods with maintained flavor, but the brewing time required is significantly longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting the brewing process in advance and storing the extracted beverage for later use. The cold brew concentrate can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for extended periods (up to two weeks or more), allowing the user to have ready-to-use coffee concentrate available when needed without requiring long brewing times at the moment of consumption.
3Reliability
If a fully enclosed brewing system is used, then the extract can be stored for extended periods maintaining freshness, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the filter assembly is contained within the brewing chamber, and the entire system can be enclosed within a storage container. This nesting arrangement allows for a compact, fully enclosed system that protects the extract from contamination and maintains freshness without requiring overly complex external structures or multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the brewing chamber and filter assembly to serve multiple functions: they are used during the brewing process and then can be enclosed together for storage. The same structural components that enable the brewing operation also facilitate the enclosed storage function, eliminating the need for separate specialized storage equipment and reducing overall system 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
The apparatus produces a more concentrated and less acidic coffee extract compared to conventional hot brew methods, allowing for flexible dilution and use in various beverages, while maintaining flavor and freshness for an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that divides the filter interior volume from the remainder of the first container interior volume
Implementation Method 2
water in the first container interior volume passes through the water-permeable barrier and soaks coffee grounds within the filter interior volume
Implementation Method 3
a filter that provides a water-permeable barrier, the filter defining a filter interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
A cold brew coffee apparatus has a first container, a second container, a centerpiece connector, and a filter. Preferably, the filter is positionable within the first container such that it divides the filter interior volume from the remainder of the first container interior volume. Preferably, cold brew infusion occurs when water in the first container interior volume passes through the water-permeable barrier and soaks coffee grounds within the filter interior volume to form a soluble coffee extract. An alternative cold brew coffee apparatus includes only a single brew chamber and a filter.