Cold Brew System with Pump Circulation to Accelerate Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold brewing methods are slow and inefficient in achieving desired concentrations of soluble substances in liquids, requiring extended periods like 24 hours for passive extraction.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container, a basket with an extended portion and multiple holes, and a pump assembly that actively circulates liquid through the basket, allowing for accelerated extraction of soluble substances by directing fluid flow into the basket, thereby increasing the concentration of coffee flavor in water to match passive cold brew results within 2-3 hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive cold brewing method is used, then extraction of soluble substances occurs naturally, but the process takes extended periods (24 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static passive brewing process into a dynamic active circulation system. The pump continuously circulates liquid through the soluble substance in the basket, creating movement and enhancing mass transfer. This dynamic approach accelerates extraction while maintaining reliability, reducing brewing time from 24 hours to 2-3 hours without sacrificing extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly enables continuous circulation of liquid through the soluble substance, ensuring that fresh liquid constantly contacts the extraction surface. This continuous action prevents stagnation and maintains high extraction efficiency throughout the brewing process, achieving reliable extraction in significantly reduced time compared to batch passive methods.
2Productivity
If active circulation with pump is implemented, then extraction speed increases to 2-3 hours, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a removable pump assembly, a separate basket for soluble substances, and a container for liquid. This segmentation allows the pump to be easily attached and removed, simplifying the overall system structure despite adding active circulation capability. The modular design maintains productivity while managing device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly serves multiple functions: it circulates liquid through the soluble substance for extraction, filters the brewed liquid through the basket, and can be easily removed for cleaning or storage. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced productivity alongside filtration and ease of maintenance capabilities.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid is actively pumped through the basket, then concentration of soluble substance increases rapidly, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic principles where the pump moves liquid through the basket and relies on gravity and pressure differentials created by the circulation system itself. This approach achieves rapid concentration of soluble substances through forced circulation while managing energy consumption by utilizing natural pressure gradients and fluid dynamics rather than requiring high-power continuous pumping.
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 significantly accelerates the extraction process, achieving the same taste profile as 24-hour passive cold brew in just 2-3 hours, while being adaptable for various soluble substances like coffee, tea, or other flavored liquids.
Implementation Method 1
an assembly that is removably mounted with respect to the basket, the assembly comprises a pump, suction inlet, and a fluid outlet, wherein the suction inlet is fluidly connected to a suction of the pump and the fluid outlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the pump, wherein the fluid outlet directs fluid to flow into the basket
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive a volume of liquid to allow for extracting a soluble substance disposed within a basket to form a solution within the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A system to brew a liquid is provided. The system includes a container with a brewing chamber, which receives a volume of liquid to allow for extracting a soluble substance to form a solution within the liquid. A basket is configured to be received within an internal volume of the container, the basket includes an upper sealing region and an extended portion, the extended portion includes a plurality of holes therethrough. A lid rests upon an upper surface of the container, the lid includes a center hole therethrough, the upper sealing region of the basket rests upon the lid. An assembly is removably mounted with respect to the basket, the assembly comprises a pump, suction inlet, and a fluid outlet, wherein the suction inlet is fluidly connected to a suction of the pump and the fluid outlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the pump.