Device for preparing a brewed drink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines are either too large and bulky or unsuitable for private use due to high installation efforts, and they often suffer from clogging issues with the grinder and inefficient brewing processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact coffee preparation device with a base station housing a pump, heating device, and control, featuring a detachable grinding unit, modular water tank, and a supply line that allows for separate positioning of the filter holder for coffee grounds and water, enabling efficient brewing with adjustable grind settings and water supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coffee machine with an integrated grinder and brewing unit is used, then freshly ground coffee can be prepared, but the device becomes tall and occupies considerable volume
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a brewing unit with filter holder, a separate grinding unit that can be detached, and a base station. This segmentation allows the brewing unit to remain compact while the grinding unit can be positioned separately or removed, reducing the overall height requirement while maintaining the capability to prepare freshly ground coffee
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder is designed to be movable between different positions: below the ground coffee outlet for filling, and below the heated water outlet for brewing. This spatial repositioning in vertical dimension allows the device to maintain a low profile while accommodating both grinding and brewing functions without requiring significant height
2Reliability
If a portafilter machine with water main connection is used, then professional coffee preparation is enabled, but the installation process becomes complex and unsuitable for private use
Solution Approach 1:
The base station integrates multiple functions including water storage in a detachable tank, heating capability, pumping system, and control unit. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for water main connection while providing professional-grade coffee preparation capabilities, making the device suitable for private use with simple plug-and-play operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a detachable fresh water tank that can be easily filled and replaced by the user, and a grinding unit with container for coffee beans that can be independently refilled. These self-service features eliminate complex installation requirements while maintaining high coffee preparation quality
3Length of stationary object
If the filter holder is positioned below the ground coffee outlet for filling, then the device can be kept low in height, but the brewing position must be separate
Solution Approach 1:
The filter holder is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically repositioned between two locations: below the ground coffee outlet for filling, and below the heated water outlet for brewing. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the device to maintain a compact, low-profile design while accommodating the sequential operations of filling and brewing without increasing overall height
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder is first positioned below the ground coffee outlet to receive freshly ground coffee before being moved to the brewing position. This preliminary action of filling the filter holder separately allows the brewing process to occur at a different location, enabling a low device height while maintaining simple operational workflow
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 device achieves a compact structure, easy handling, and optimized brewing by allowing separate positioning of brewing and water supply components, preventing clogging and enabling precise control over coffee strength and grind fineness, making it suitable for private use.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element for heating water
Implementation Method 2
a pump for conveying water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device (1) for preparing a brewed beverage comprises a base station (2) in which a pump (51), a heating element (50), and a control unit are provided; a grinding unit (20) arranged on the base station (2), which has a container (21) for coffee beans, a grinder, and an outlet (23) for ground coffee; a tank (10) for fresh water detachably arranged on the base station (2); and a supply line (6) projecting upwards from the base station (2) with an outlet (7) for heated water, which is arranged above a filter holder (30), wherein the filter holder (30) is movable from a position below the outlet (23) for ground coffee to a position below the outlet (7). This allows a device (1) for preparing a brewed beverage to be manufactured in a compact design.