System and method for producing an extract
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee machines with open boiler systems lack control over brewing temperature and volume, leading to inefficient energy use, long heating times, and uncontrolled beverage preparation parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system with a supply line, heating device, and brewing device that includes a control unit for precise temperature and volumetric flow control, allowing for customizable extraction processes through programmable dosage regimens and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a boiler is used to heat water, then the water can be heated to the required temperature, but heating times of considerable length are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in the boiler to a maximum temperature in advance, so that when a beverage is requested, the hot water is already available or can be quickly adjusted to the required temperature, eliminating the need for lengthy heating times during beverage preparation
2Temperature
If a boiler is used to heat water, then the water can be heated to the required temperature, but heating times of considerable length are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating process based on real-time requirements. The control unit monitors when hot water is needed and activates the heating element only at that moment, rather than continuously heating water to a maximum temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption while still achieving the required water temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameters (temperature, power) dynamically based on the specific beverage requirements. Instead of always heating to a fixed maximum temperature, the heating element adjusts its output to match the exact temperature needed for the current beverage, optimizing energy efficiency
3Temperature
If a boiler is used, then water can be heated to the required temperature, but a predefined amount of water is heated regardless of the amount expected by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit adjusts heating parameters (temperature, duration, power) based on the user's selected beverage type and expected volume. The system calculates the exact heating requirements and applies only the necessary amount of energy, preventing waste by avoiding overheating or heating excess water beyond what is needed
4Stress or pressure
If a pressure relief valve is used to generate opening pressure, then the valve can be actuated to transport hot water, but the brewing temperature cannot be selected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically controllable pump instead of a static pressure relief valve. The pump can generate the necessary opening pressure while simultaneously allowing the control unit to regulate the water temperature independently, enabling both pressure generation and temperature selection to be optimized for different beverage types
5Stress or pressure
If the valve is actuated and closed to prepare hot water, then the operating pressure is reached, but the temperature and pressure of hot water supplied to the brewing device remain uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature and pressure sensors that continuously monitor the water parameters and provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the heating element and pump operation in real-time to maintain the desired temperature and pressure levels, ensuring precise control of the hot water supplied to the brewing device
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the purely mechanical pressure relief valve with an electronically controlled pump and heating element system. This allows for precise electronic control of both pressure and temperature parameters, replacing the imprecise mechanical operation with controllable electronic actuators that can be regulated by the control unit
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 precise control over brewing parameters, optimizing energy consumption and beverage quality by allowing for tailored temperature and volume settings, reducing waiting time, and minimizing energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (5), in which the extraction agent (9) can be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for producing an extract from an extraction material by means of an extraction agent comprises a supply line for the extraction agent, a heating device, a brewing device for the extraction material and an extract collection container. The supply line contains a measuring element and at least one volumetric flow control element for the volumetric flow of the extraction agent. In addition, the temperature of the heated extraction agent can be measured by means of the measuring element. The system comprises a control unit, the control unit containing a dosage regime for the heated extraction agent for the brewing device. The dosage regimen can be selected by means of an input device, whereby the volumetric flow control element can be set according to the dosage regimen and is monitored via the measuring element.