Beverage system and method for the rapid precise extraction of cold brew beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold brew coffee preparation methods require extended brewing times (8 to 48 hours) and lack precision in extraction, leading to unpredictable flavor profiles and the need for separate temperature control equipment.
Innovation Solution
A beverage system that combines active recirculation, vortex-inducing water jet flow, and controlled pressure to accelerate cold brew extraction, with integrated cooling and heating systems for precise temperature control and immediate beverage dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cold brew steeping is used, then extraction is achieved, but brewing time is excessively long (8 to 48 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic recirculation of water through the coffee grounds, continuously cycling water through the brewing chamber to accelerate extraction. This periodic flow pattern replaces static steeping, achieving full extraction in minutes rather than hours by repeatedly exposing fresh water to the grounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure to force water through the coffee grounds at controlled pressures (2-130 psi). This pressure-driven flow through porous coffee grounds dramatically accelerates extraction compared to passive steeping, reducing brewing time from 8-48 hours to just minutes while maintaining complete solubles extraction.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional cold brew methods are used, then extraction occurs, but extraction precision and flavor consistency are unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and microcontroller-based control that monitor brewing parameters in real-time and adjust flow rates, pressure, and temperature accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures consistent extraction by automatically compensating for variations in coffee bed density, water temperature, and flow characteristics, delivering predictable flavor profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system precisely controls critical brewing parameters including water temperature (32°F to 68°F), pressure (2-130 psi), and flow rate. By maintaining these parameters within optimized ranges, the system achieves consistent extraction of coffee solubles, eliminating the variability inherent in traditional methods and ensuring reproducible flavor profiles.
3Temperature
If separate chilling and heating equipment is used, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates both chilling and heating capabilities into a single cold brew brewing device. The brewing chamber incorporates both heating elements and cooling mechanisms, allowing the same apparatus to prepare cold brew at low temperatures and subsequently heat the beverage for hot coffee service, eliminating the need for separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing system is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: cold brew extraction, beverage chilling, and beverage heating. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized appliances, reducing overall system complexity while expanding functionality.
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
Achieves rapid cold brew preparation in minutes, ensuring consistent flavor and temperature, eliminating the need for separate temperature equipment and providing customizable beverage strength and temperature options.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump in fluid communication between the storage vessel and nozzle, configured to circulate liquid from the vessel through the brewable mixture
Implementation Method 2
an air pump configured to pressurize a headspace above the liquid in the vessel
Implementation Method 3
a nozzle arranged to introduce high-velocity water into the filter basket to induce a turbulent vortex or whirlpool
Implementation Method 4
a dispense valve configured to deliver the brewed beverage from the vessel under pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A modular countertop beverage brewing system and method configured to rapidly extract cold brew beverages from a brewable mixture. Three independent brewing modes are integrated, two of which regulate temperature. The modes are room temperature, chilling, and heating. Brewing is achieved through a three factored approach: the combination of pressure, water jet nozzle, and a beverage recirculation loop followed by an optional chilling system, and optional heating after brewing. The system enables forced dispense, temperature control options, and programmable brew strength. Unlike conventional systems, this device achieves cold brew in minutes rather than hours, consolidating brewing, strength, and temperature functions in a single compact unit.