Extraction cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing brewed beverages like espresso often result in undesirable compounds being extracted at high temperatures, leading to poor quality due to the extraction of acids and tannins, while low-temperature extractions lack strength and flavor intensity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an extraction cell with ground coffee at specific density and particle size, using a cold extraction medium at ambient temperature, achieving plug flow to extract coffee efficiently with minimal steeping time, resulting in a high-yield extract with balanced flavor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature extraction is used, then extraction speed and TDS content are improved, but undesirable compounds (acids and tannins) are extracted leading to poor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling extraction temperature (maintaining below 40°C to avoid extracting undesirable compounds), pressure (using pressures between 0.5-20 bar to enhance extraction efficiency), and time (limiting extraction time to 15-75 seconds) to resolve the contradiction between extraction speed and quality. This allows high productivity without extracting harmful compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles by applying pressure to the extraction medium as it flows through the coffee grounds. The pressure-controlled flow system enables efficient extraction at low temperatures, achieving both high extraction speed and selective extraction that avoids undesirable compounds.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low temperature extraction is used, then undesirable compounds extraction is reduced, but extract strength and flavor intensity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure-controlled fluid flow to enhance extraction efficiency at low temperatures. By maintaining pressure between 0.5-20 bar during the extraction process, the system achieves sufficient TDS content and extract strength without requiring high temperatures, thus avoiding undesirable compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - temperature (kept below 40°C), pressure (0.5-20 bar), flow rate, and time (15-75 seconds) - to optimize extraction. This multi-parameter control enables low temperature extraction to produce strong, flavorful extracts without extracting harmful compounds.
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied to increase extraction yield, then extraction efficiency is improved, but extraction time and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a relatively simple pressure control system that maintains pressures between 0.5-20 bar during extraction. This moderate pressure range achieves high extraction yield without requiring complex high-pressure equipment, balancing productivity with equipment simplicity.
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 method produces a high-yield coffee extract with balanced flavor and reduced extraction of undesirable compounds, achieving a strong and nuanced taste similar to high-temperature methods without the drawbacks.
Implementation Method 1
achieving plug flow to extract coffee efficiently
Implementation Method 2
introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction cell... withdrawing from a filter at the second portion of the extraction cell, extract that has been extracted from the extraction material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing an extract can include loading extraction material into an extraction cell or a capsule extraction cell having a first portion and a second portion with ground coffee having a particle size between 200 μm to 400 μm. The method can further include introducing a flow of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction cell. The method can include, within less than 75 seconds, 3 minutes, or 30 minutes of introducing a portion of the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell, withdrawing from a filter at the second portion of the extraction cell, extract that has been extracted from the extraction material by the portion of the flow of extraction medium introduced into the extraction cell.