Hot beverage brewing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot beverage brewing apparatuses have limited application possibilities and a significant CO2 footprint, and they often generate electrical noise and inefficiencies, making them less suitable for domestic and commercial use.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is enhanced with a second outlet for steam and a control loop in the water pump that uses a zero cross detection circuit and driving circuit to efficiently manage power, allowing for variable pump capacity and reduced noise, without the need for additional components, enabling both beverage brewing and steam provision in a single housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water pump is used to control water flow in a hot beverage brewing apparatus, then the flow control capability is improved, but electrical noise, RF emissions, and acoustic noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by switching the water pump on and off in synchronization with the AC power cycle (zero-crossing control). The pump operates only during specific portions of the AC waveform cycles, which reduces electrical noise and RF emissions compared to continuous or random switching. This periodic operation aligned with the power grid frequency minimizes electromagnetic interference while maintaining effective flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electrical noise and RF emissions into a beneficial control mechanism by using zero-crossing detection. Instead of switching the pump during high-voltage portions of the AC cycle (which would cause spikes and interference), the system deliberately switches at zero-crossing points where voltage is minimal, effectively eliminating the harmful electrical noise while maintaining pump control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a water pump and heating system are used for hot beverage brewing, then beverage preparation capability is improved, but CO2 footprint and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by operating the water pump and heating system only during off-peak electricity hours or during periods when renewable energy is available. The controller monitors grid conditions and schedules brewing operations to coincide with times when carbon intensity is lower, thereby reducing the CO2 footprint while maintaining full beverage preparation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operating parameters of the water pump and heating system based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies pump speed, heating power, and timing to optimize energy efficiency and minimize carbon footprint while still achieving the required beverage preparation outcomes. This includes using variable speed drives and modulating heating elements to match actual demand rather than operating at fixed high-power settings.
3Speed
If the water pump operates at full power continuously, then water flow rate is improved, but acoustic noise increases by at least 10 dB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using variable speed control of the water pump based on real-time flow requirements. Instead of operating continuously at full power, the controller dynamically adjusts the pump speed to match the actual water flow demand of the brewing process. This dynamic adjustment reduces acoustic noise significantly (by at least 10 dB) during periods when full flow is not required, while maintaining high flow rates when needed for optimal brewing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by operating the water pump in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The pump is activated in periodic bursts synchronized with the brewing process stages and AC power cycles, allowing periods of operation followed by periods of rest. This periodic operation reduces average acoustic noise levels by at least 10 dB compared to continuous full-power operation, while still delivering the required water flow rates during active brewing phases.
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
This solution expands the apparatus' application possibilities across environments, reduces CO2 footprint, and achieves an acoustic noise reduction of at least 10 dB, making it more suitable for domestic and commercial use while preventing electrical spikes and RF emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a zero cross detection circuit connected to a power input line of a power circuit which provides power to the water pump to detect and select one of the two halves of a power cycle present on the power line
Implementation Method 2
a thermal heater connected to the water pump and provided with a second control loop for controlling the heating by the thermal heater of the water supplied by the water pump
Data Source
AI summary
A hot beverage brewing apparatus comprising a water input, a water pump connected to the water input and provided with a first control loop for controlling a flow generated by the water pump, a thermal heater connected to the water pump and provided with a second control loop for controlling the heating by the thermal heater of the water supplied by the water pump, and a brewer unit connected to the thermal heater with a first outlet for the hot beverage, wherein the thermal heater is provided with a second outlet for steam.