Drip Coffee Maker Variable Valve for Water-Coffee Contact Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drip coffee makers lack precise control over water/coffee contact time, which affects the flavor profile and extraction efficiency, as existing designs offer only a single, non-optimal contact time that cannot be adjusted for varying coffee types, grind sizes, and quantities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronically-controllable variable valve downstream of the brew basket that can move within a continuous range of positions to regulate the flow rate of coffee, using a valve member and wedge body mechanism to vary fluid flow, allowing for precise control of water/coffee contact time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a basic drip coffee maker design is used with fixed water supply and outlet, then the device structure is simple, but the water/coffee contact time cannot be controlled and is not optimal for different brewing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed water supply and outlet design with electronically-controllable variable valves that can dynamically adjust flow rates. The valve members move within continuous ranges of positions to regulate water entry and coffee exit rates, enabling adaptive control of water/coffee contact time based on different brewing conditions such as coffee type, grind size, and quantity.
2Ease of operation
If an automatic shut-off valve is used to stop dispensing mid-brew, then coffee can be poured out before brewing completes, but the water/coffee contact time increases in an unpredictable and uncontrollable manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the feedback principle by implementing electronically-controllable variable valves regulated by controllers that monitor and adjust flow rates in real-time. This closed-loop control system precisely manages water/coffee contact time by continuously regulating the rates of water entry and coffee exit, replacing the unpredictable mechanical shut-off valve with a controllable electronic system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single water/coffee contact time is used in basic drip coffee makers, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot optimize brewing for different coffee types, grind sizes, and quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by enabling dynamic adjustment of flow rate parameters through electronically-controllable variable valves. The valve members can be positioned within continuous ranges to change the rates of water entry and coffee exit, allowing optimization of water/coffee contact time and other brewing parameters for different coffee types, grind sizes, and quantities.
4Extent of automation
If mechanically-actuated shut-off valves are used, then automatic shut-off functionality is achieved, but precise control over water/coffee contact time is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing mechanically-actuated shut-off valves with electronically-controllable variable valves. This substitution transitions from mechanical on/off control to electronic continuous regulation, enabling precise control over water/coffee contact time while maintaining automatic operation through electronic controllers.
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
Enables finer grained control over the brewing process, optimizing flavor extraction and adaptability to different brewing parameters, such as coffee amounts, grind sizes, and temperatures, resulting in a more consistent and customizable coffee brewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge body that moves along a second axis and includes an inclined surface capable of causing movement of the valve member along the first axis in response to movement of the wedge body along the second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A drip coffee maker includes an electronically-controllable variable valve to regulate water/coffee contact time in a brew basket. In some instances, the electronically-controllable variable valve may be movable within a continuous range of positions and may be disposed downstream of the brew basket to regulate the flow rate of coffee produced in the brew basket to a brewing container. In addition, in some instances, the electronically-controllable variable valve may include a valve member that projects through a port and moves along a first axis to vary a fluid flow rate through the port, and a wedge body that moves along a second axis and includes an inclined surface capable of causing movement of the valve member along the first axis in response to movement of the wedge body along the second axis.