Device and system for brewing infused beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage brewing systems lack independent control over pressure, temperature, and flow rate during the infusion process, leading to inconsistent beverage output due to dependencies between these variables, which affects the chemical composition and flavor of the brewed beverage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a Solvent Flow Management System (SFMS), a Solvent Temperature Management System (STMS), and a Solution Pressure Management System (SPMS), connected through an electronic control system, allows for dynamic and independent modulation of flow rate, temperature, and pressure, ensuring consistent beverage production by maintaining desired parameters regardless of pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If pressure is modified during infusion by modulating resistive solute media resistance while holding pumping energy constant, then infusion pressure changes, but infusion flow rate also changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates pressure control and flow rate control into independent subsystems. Pressure is controlled by modulating the resistance of solute media, while flow rate is independently controlled by adjusting pumping energy. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized without adversely affecting the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple parameters (pumping energy, solute media resistance) to achieve desired infusion conditions. By independently adjusting these parameters, the system can maintain constant flow rate while modifying pressure, or optimize both parameters simultaneously for different brewing stages.
2Stress or pressure
If infusion pressure is modified through variation of solvent pumping force while keeping resistive media resistance constant, then infusion pressure increases, but infusion flow rate also changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system independently adjusts pumping force (pressure parameter) and solute media resistance to decouple pressure and flow rate control. By modifying resistive media resistance in conjunction with pumping force, the system can achieve pressure changes without unintended flow rate variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure and flow rate sensors to dynamically adjust pumping energy and solute media resistance. This closed-loop control ensures that pressure modifications do not result in unintended flow rate changes, maintaining consistent brewing conditions.
3Temperature
If dynamic pressure and temperature control is implemented using pressure sensors and proportional mixing valves, then temperature and pressure modulation capability is achieved, but flow rate regulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions into separate independent modules: temperature control via proportional mixing valves, pressure control via pressure sensors and resistance modulation, and flow rate control via pumping energy adjustment. This segmentation allows all three parameters to be controlled simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system integrates multiple control functions (temperature, pressure, flow rate) into a single universal control platform. This multi-functional system can independently regulate all three parameters, providing comprehensive control capability that exceeds conventional single-function systems.
4Device complexity
If conventional brewing systems are used without independent variable control, then system simplicity is maintained, but beverage consistency and flavor optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual, mechanical brewing control with electronic sensing and control mechanisms. Pressure sensors, flow rate sensors, and electronic control of pumping energy and solute media resistance enable precise, repeatable brewing parameters, ensuring consistent beverage quality while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated electronic control.
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
This solution enables precise control over brewing variables, minimizing the impact of external factors like solute particle size and compaction, resulting in consistent flavor and chemical composition of the infused beverage, optimizing the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
a solvent flow management system (SFMS) configured to provide a desired flow rate independent of pressure variations in a brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a solvent temperature modulation system (STMS) that is in fluid communication with the solvent flow management system through at least one solvent conduit, the solvent temperature modulation system operable to selectively and dynamically modulate the temperature of the solvent
Implementation Method 3
a brewing chamber for housing a solute disposed to receive the solvent to produce an infused beverage
Implementation Method 4
an infusion pressure regulation system at least partially located downstream of the brewing chamber, the infusion pressure regulation system configured to selectively and dynamically increase the infusion process pressure beyond/greater than a pressure created upstream in the brewing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An infused beverage brewing assembly having a solvent flow management system (SFMS) operably configured to receive a solvent and induce a flow of the solvent through a first solvent conduit and a second solvent conduit, a solvent temperature modulation system (STMS) operably configured to thermally modulate a solvent within the first solvent conduit to join with a solvent in the second solvent conduit to form a resulting solvent conduit with a resulting solvent. The assembly has a brewing chamber in fluid communication with the resulting solvent conduit and for housing a solute disposed to receive the resulting solvent to produce an infused beverage, an outlet for discharging the infused beverage, and a resulting solvent valve operably configured to select a path of the resulting solvent until reaching a desired temperature, thereby enabling resulting solvent delivered to the brewing chamber at a desired temperature.