Espresso Machine Brew Ratio Control for Repeatable Concentration
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 characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with first and second weighing devices to measure the mass of ground coffee and brewed espresso coffee, respectively, along with a processing device to calculate and notify the brew ratio, allowing for the selection and storage of desired brew ratios, and automatic stopping when the desired concentration is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If only the mass of espresso coffee is controlled, then the cup contains a predetermined amount of coffee, but the beverage concentration varies over time due to factors like grinding degree
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the mass of brewed espresso coffee during dispensing and calculates the brew ratio in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and maintain the desired concentration level throughout the brewing process, ensuring consistent beverage characteristics over time regardless of variations in coffee grinding or other factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new control parameter - the brew ratio (relationship between ground coffee mass and brewed beverage mass) - which directly relates to beverage concentration. By controlling this parameter rather than just the final beverage mass, the system ensures consistent concentration. The processing device calculates and maintains the desired brew ratio during the entire brewing process, making concentration a controllable variable.
2Reliability
If the machine measures and controls brew ratio continuously, then beverage concentration consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional weighing and calculation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device serves multiple functions: it measures the mass of ground coffee, continuously measures the mass of brewed espresso coffee during dispensing, and provides data for calculating the brew ratio. By making the weighing device multi-functional rather than requiring separate measurement systems, the invention reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to control beverage concentration consistently.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing device automatically calculates the brew ratio using measurements from the weighing device and compares it with the desired brew ratio stored in memory. The system self-regulates by using this calculated information to control the brewing process, minimizing the need for additional complex control mechanisms while maintaining reliable concentration consistency.
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 highly repeatable espresso coffee preparation with the desired concentration, allowing consumers to consistently obtain beverages with precise brew ratios, enhancing the consistency and quality of espresso coffee dispensed.
Implementation Method 1
a first device (40) for measuring the mass of an amount of ground coffee
Implementation Method 2
a second device (50) 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.