Dual-Receptacle Beverage Brewer With Automatic Tea-Coffee Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot beverage preparation machines lack ease of use due to the need for users to manually select brewing parameters specific to each type of beverage, such as tea or coffee, which can lead to inconsistent results and stale beverages.

Innovation Solution

A machine with distinct brewing receptacles for tea and coffee, identified by sensors or codes, that automatically adjusts brewing parameters based on the type of receptacle used, ensuring optimal brewing processes and providing user-friendly menu options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single brewing chamber is used for both tea and coffee, then the device complexity is reduced, but the brewing precision and beverage quality deteriorate due to inability to optimize parameters for different beverage types

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidbrewing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing chamber is divided into two separate receptacles: a first brewing receptacle for tea and a second brewing receptacle for coffee. Each receptacle is optimized for its specific beverage type, allowing independent brewing parameter optimization while maintaining a unified overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each brewing receptacle is designed with specific local characteristics suited for its beverage type. The first brewing receptacle has features optimized for tea brewing, while the second brewing receptacle has features optimized for coffee brewing, enabling each to perform its specific function with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual selection of brewing parameters is required for different beverage types, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage type adaptationVSAvoiduser operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies which brewing receptacle is installed and selects the appropriate brewing parameters without requiring manual user input. The control unit detects the receptacle type and autonomously configures optimal brewing settings, making the system self-servicing regarding parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback from sensor signals that indicate which brewing receptacle is installed, and based on this feedback, automatically adjusts brewing parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to the correct beverage type without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If brewing parameters are not optimized for specific beverage types, then the ease of operation is improved, but the beverage quality and freshness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidbeverage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of brewing parameters based on automatic receptacle identification before the actual brewing process begins. The control unit pre-sets optimal parameters for each beverage type, ensuring quality is maintained while requiring minimal user action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 machine ensures optimal brewing for tea and coffee by automatically identifying the receptacle type and providing tailored brewing recommendations, maintaining beverage freshness and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a water heater (4) enabling the water in the water reservoir (3) to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the first brewing receptacle and the second brewing receptacle which have different weights and the control unit which detects the brewing receptacle depending on the weight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight detection:

Implementation Method 3

the first brewing receptacle and the second brewing receptacle which have different forms. While the first brewing receptacle is in the form of a cylinder, the second brewing receptacle is in the form of a cone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape recognition:

Data Source

PatentEP3902448B1A hot beverage preparation machine
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3902448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3902448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3902448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hot beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a body (2); a water reservoir (3) wherein water is filled; a water heater (4) enabling the water in the water reservoir (3) to be heated; a brewing chamber (5) wherein the raw material of the beverage to be prepared is put and whereto the water heated in the water reservoir (3) is transferred, wherein the brewing process is performed as a result of the interaction between the raw beverage material and water; a cover (6) for isolating the brewing chamber (5) from the outer environment; a housing (7) which is situated on the body (2), under the brewing chamber (5); and a pot (8) which is placed into the housing (7), the top surface thereof being at least partially open and whereto the beverage brewed in the brewing chamber (5) is transferred.