Machine for preparing a beverage with repeatable characteristics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espresso coffee machines lack the ability to consistently maintain the desired concentration of espresso coffee over time, as the brew ratio, which is the ratio between the mass of ground coffee and the final beverage, can vary significantly due to factors like coffee grinding degree, leading to inconsistent beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with first and second weighing devices to measure the mass of ground coffee and brewed espresso coffee, respectively, and a processing device to calculate and display the brew ratio in real-time, allowing for precise control and notification when a desired concentration is reached, enabling repeatable preparation of espresso coffee with user-settable brew ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass control of espresso coffee is implemented, then predetermined amount of coffee can be obtained, but beverage concentration consistency over time cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the brew ratio by measuring both the mass of ground coffee and the mass of dispensed beverage in real-time. The control unit calculates the brew ratio and provides feedback to adjust the dispensing process, ensuring the desired concentration is maintained throughout the brewing cycle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by using mass measurement data to actively control and maintain beverage concentration consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts brewing parameters based on the calculated brew ratio. By monitoring the ratio between coffee mass and beverage mass in real-time, the system can modify dispensing parameters to maintain the desired concentration, transforming the static mass control approach into a dynamic parameter adjustment system that ensures consistency over time.
2Reliability
If brew ratio calculation and control is added, then beverage concentration consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it calculates the brew ratio, monitors dispensing parameters, adjusts brewing parameters, and maintains concentration consistency. By making the control unit multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable beverage concentration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the mass measurement devices, brew ratio calculation, and dispensing control into an integrated system. By merging these functions into a unified control architecture, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function, while still achieving the goal of consistent beverage concentration.
3Reliability
If real-time brew ratio calculation is implemented, then concentration control is improved, but measurement and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous mass measurements of both ground coffee and dispensed beverage throughout the brewing process. This continuous measurement approach, rather than intermittent sampling, enables real-time brew ratio calculation and concentration control, maintaining reliability while managing measurement requirements through sustained monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures the mass of ground coffee before brewing begins and stores this value for subsequent brew ratio calculations. By performing this measurement in advance, the system prepares the necessary data for real-time control without requiring simultaneous measurement of both parameters, thereby managing the complexity of real-time measurement requirements.
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
Ensures that espresso coffee is dispensed with a consistent concentration, allowing consumers to achieve their desired beverage characteristics by automatically stopping the brewing process when the set brew ratio is reached, thereby enhancing the repeatability and quality of the espresso coffee.
Implementation Method 1
a first device for measuring the mass of an amount of ground coffee
Implementation Method 2
a second device for measuring the mass of the brewed espresso coffee
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee or the like is described, said machine comprising: a first device for measuring the mass of an amount of ground coffee to be used for preparing an espresso coffee, a second device for measuring the mass of the brewed espresso coffee, a processing device for calculating a degree of concentration corresponding to a ratio between said mass of the amount of ground coffee and said mass of the brewed espresso coffee.