Filter stand agitator for brewing, steeping or infusing a liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers of infused beverages such as coffee and tea face challenges in controlling the quality and characteristics of their products, as existing methods lack the ability to selectively enhance extraction and infusion processes.
Innovation Solution
An agitator device with a vibration source and controller that emits controlled vibration energy into an infusion mixture, allowing for customizable extraction of solids and flavors by adjusting vibration frequency, intensity, and duration, which can be integrated into brewing systems or used as a standalone device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional brewing methods are used, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the extraction efficiency and control over beverage characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a piezoelectric element that generates vibrational energy to enhance the extraction of compounds from coffee grounds. The vibration agitates the liquid and solid mixture, increasing contact between water and coffee particles, thereby improving extraction efficiency without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the electrical properties (voltage, frequency, pulse duration) of the piezoelectric element to modulate the vibrational energy applied to the infusion mixture. This allows selective tuning of extraction characteristics to produce beverages with tailored flavor and strength profiles.
2Loss of time
If vibration energy is applied to enhance extraction, then the extraction speed and selectivity improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration generated by a piezoelectric element to accelerate the extraction process. The vibrational energy agitates the infusion mixture, reducing brewing time by enhancing mass transfer between liquid and solid phases without requiring complex mechanical agitation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical agitation systems with a piezoelectric-based vibration generation system. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving enhanced extraction through electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion, allowing precise control through electrical parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If controlled vibration is used to tune beverage characteristics, then product quality and flavor control improve, but the manufacturing precision and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise control over extraction characteristics by modulating electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, pulse duration) applied to the piezoelectric element. These parameter changes directly control the vibrational energy input, enabling selective enhancement of specific compound extraction to tailor beverage flavor and strength profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor the infusion process and provide data to a controller. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of piezoelectric activation parameters to achieve target extraction profiles, ensuring consistent product quality through closed-loop control.
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 agitator enhances the infusion process by accelerating the extraction of desired components, such as caffeine, and allows for selective tuning of beverage characteristics, enabling users to produce beverages with tailored flavor and strength profiles.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration source may be disposed on and operatively coupled to an upper section of a support extension... The vibration source may be activated so as to generate and emit vibration energy therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method embodiments discussed herein may be used to enhance a brewing process, extraction process, steeping process or infusing process. Such infusion processes may be used for making coffee, tea, oil, alcohol or any other suitable infused liquid where a user desires to enhance or control such a process.