Cold Brew Tank and P-Trap Layout for Clear Coffee Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold brewing methods often result in coffee with suspended solids, which are aesthetically unappealing and can settle at the bottom of the container, and may not produce the highest yield compared to other brewing methods, while also being difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A cold brew coffee device comprising an extract tank with a false bottom, an outlet spout, a lid with a mister, and pumped piping, where coffee grounds are placed on the false bottom, and water is pumped through to extract the coffee without leaving solids, using an inverted P trap piping system to prevent overflow and facilitate easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If cold brewing coffee is made using conventional methods with filters, then the brewing time can be extended for better extraction, but suspended solids remain in the liquid making it visually unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system is divided into separate functional components: a brewing chamber for extraction, a separation chamber for removing solids, and a dispensing system. This segmentation allows extended brewing time in the first chamber while the second chamber continuously removes suspended solids, resolving the contradiction between long extraction time and visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
A centrifugal separation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the brewing chamber and the final product. This intermediary device uses centrifugal force to separate suspended solids from the brewed coffee liquid, allowing extended brewing without compromising visual appeal.
2Duration of action of moving object
If cloth, paper or metal filters are used for cold brewing, then the brewing process can be extended, but suspended solids are left in the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical filtration systems (cloth, paper, metal filters) are replaced with a centrifugal separation system. This substitution uses rotational mechanical force rather than passive filtration, enabling effective removal of suspended solids even after extended brewing periods, thus resolving the contradiction between brewing duration and filtration effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If traditional cold brewing apparatus are used, then the process is simple, but the device is difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into removable, modular components including the brewing chamber, separation chamber, and dispensing system. Each component can be easily detached and rinsed, making cleaning straightforward despite the multi-chamber design. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between structural complexity and cleaning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements such as a removable centrifugal separation mechanism and adjustable components that can be easily taken apart for cleaning. This dynamic design allows the complex multi-functional apparatus to be quickly disassembled and cleaned, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and cleaning ease.
4Speed
If hot water is used for brewing coffee, then the mixing speed with grounds is faster, but the taste becomes acidic and harsh
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing temperature parameter is changed from hot to cold, fundamentally altering the extraction chemistry to avoid acidic and harsh tastes. The centrifugal separation system compensates for the slower mixing speed at cold temperatures by efficiently separating grounds from liquid, resolving the contradiction between mixing speed and taste 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 system effectively removes suspended solids from the brewed coffee, achieving a higher yield and easier cleaning compared to traditional methods, while maintaining the improved taste of cold brewed coffee.
Implementation Method 1
pumped piping
Implementation Method 2
inverted P trap piping
Implementation Method 3
false bottom
Data Source
AI summary
A cold brewing coffee device that produces coffee without any suspended solids in the product. The devices uses a false bottom in the initial tank to hold the coffee beans and water is pumped between the initial tank and a second tank. Using an inverted P trap in the piping allow for reduced suspended solids in the final product. The end product is a high quality cold brewed beverage that is defined by the beverages clarity and lack of visible suspended solids, wherein the resulting product has a distinct look compared to other brewed beverages (i.e. producing a product that is cleaner than competing products without the need for a filter).