Cold Brew Filter Assembly for Low-Acid Coffee Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold brew coffee brewing methods are either designed for substances other than coffee or have structural differences that do not effectively produce a high-quality, flavorful coffee extract, often resulting in a bitter acidic taste due to hot brewing methods.
Innovation Solution
A cold brew coffee apparatus featuring a brew chamber, extract chamber, and centerpiece connector with a unique filter system that allows for cold water infusion over an extended period, producing a less acidic and more concentrated coffee extract that can be stored for up to two weeks, utilizing a filter assembly with a water-permeable barrier and a centerpiece connector for efficient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hot water is used for brewing coffee, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the coffee develops a harsh acidic taste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from hot to cold water brewing, fundamentally altering the extraction process to avoid dissolving bitter oils and acids while still achieving acceptable extraction efficiency through extended contact time
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic brewing cycles where water is pumped through coffee grounds, allowed to steep, then drained and repeated, enabling extended extraction without continuous high-temperature exposure that causes harsh flavors
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cold water is used for brewing coffee, then harsh acidic taste is avoided, but extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses repeated brewing cycles with cold water, allowing extended contact time between water and coffee grounds to compensate for lower extraction efficiency at cold temperatures, while maintaining the benefit of avoiding harsh acidic flavors
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic cycling of water through the coffee grounds maintains continuous useful extraction action over an extended period, accumulating sufficient extract despite the lower reactivity of cold water compared to hot water
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex filter system is used, then extraction quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs porous filter media that provides effective separation of coffee grounds from brewed liquid while maintaining a relatively simple device structure, achieving good extraction quality without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing system is divided into separate functional components (brewing chamber, filtration section, collection vessel) that can be independently optimized and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while improving extraction quality
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 deep, rich coffee extract that is less acidic and more concentrated than conventionally brewed coffee, allowing for flexible dilution and storage, while maintaining flavor and freshness for an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The filter preferably has a water-permeable barrier, the filter defining a filter interior volume and sized to fit within the first container interior volume through the first container opening
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.