Device and method for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee brewing devices face challenges in forming a crema layer and achieving optimal taste due to issues with grind size, as coarse grounds result in insufficient pressure and short brewing time, and existing solutions like spring-loaded valves and orifice plates have disadvantages such as residual pressure and clogging.
Innovation Solution
A device with movable restricting means that can be controlled by actuator means in response to fluid pressure, allowing adjustable restriction at the brewing chamber outlet, ensuring sufficient pressure for crema formation and extended brewing time, while minimizing pressure after brewing to prevent a wet coffee puck and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a spring-loaded valve is used as restricting means, then the pressure in the brewing chamber is maintained at a high level for crema formation, but the pressure remains at the opening threshold level after brewing, causing a wet coffee puck
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting means is designed to be movable between a first position (during brewing) and a second position (after brewing). During brewing, the valve restricts the outlet to maintain high pressure for crema formation. After brewing, the valve moves to open the outlet fully, allowing pressure to drop to zero and preventing wet coffee puck. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining pressure during brewing and eliminating residual pressure after brewing.
2Stress or pressure
If a small orifice plate is used as restricting means, then the pressure in the brewing chamber reduces to zero after brewing, but the pressure release is slow and the device cannot be adjusted for different process settings
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting means transitions from a static small orifice plate to a dynamic valve that can change its opening degree. After brewing, the valve moves to a fully open position, creating a large flow area that enables rapid pressure release. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between achieving zero residual pressure and doing so quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve's opening degree is changed from a fixed small orifice to a variable parameter that can be adjusted between fully closed (during brewing) and fully open (after brewing). This parameter change enables both complete pressure reduction and fast pressure release, resolving the contradiction in the small orifice plate design.
3Device complexity
If the restricting means is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be adjusted for different process settings and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting means is designed as a movable valve with adjustable opening degree, allowing it to adapt to different process settings and user preferences. The valve can be positioned at different angles or degrees of opening, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
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 solution allows for controlled pressure adjustment during brewing, ensuring a crema layer and optimal taste without leaving residual pressure or clogging issues, enhancing the reliability and robustness of the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
actuator means being configured and arranged to be operable under the influence of pressure exerted by the pumping means on the fluid in the actual state thereof
Implementation Method 2
pumping means for displacing the extracting fluid from a source of the extracting fluid to the brewing chamber, and for forcing the extracting fluid to flow through the quantity of the beverage extract
Implementation Method 3
restricting means for realizing a restriction in the outlet of the brewing chamber... the pressure in the brewing chamber is always high enough for creating the crema layer, and that the brewing time is long enough
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for preparing a beverage on the basis of interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, particularly a beverage having a crema layer, comprises a brewing chamber (10) for accommodating a quantity of the beverage extract, having an inlet (11) for receiving the extracting fluid and an outlet (12) for discharging the beverage. Furthermore, the device (1) comprises restricting means (60) which are movable between an activated position for realizing a restriction (61) in the outlet (12) of the brewing chamber (10) and an inactivated position for minimizing the restriction (61) in the outlet (12) of the brewing chamber (10), and also actuator means (70) for controlling the position of the restricting means (60) in relation to an actual state of pumping means (30) as present in the device (1) for realizing a flow of the extracting fluid.