Hot Beverage Maker Spider Web Interface for Flavor Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot beverage makers, such as coffee machines, do not adequately account for the range of flavors in coffee beans, limiting user-defined brewing options and failing to provide clear input methods for achieving desired taste profiles.
Innovation Solution
A hot beverage maker with a touch-sensitive display that uses a spider web diagram to allow users to select sensory properties, adjusting brewing parameters like flow rate, brewing temperature, and pressure based on user-defined taste preferences, utilizing a control device connected to the display to control actuators for optimal brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed brewing parameters are used based on basic coffee types, then the device is simple to operate, but the range of flavors and beverage customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of brewing parameters (flow rate, temperature, pressure, contact time) based on user-selected flavor profiles. The control device modifies these parameters in real-time according to the spider web diagram selection, enabling versatile beverage customization without requiring users to understand complex brewing science.
Solution Approach 2:
The spider web diagram serves as an intermediary interface between the user and the complex brewing parameters. Instead of directly controlling multiple technical parameters, users interact with a visual flavor map that translates their taste preferences into appropriate brewing settings automatically, simplifying the operation while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple brewing parameters are adjusted for optimal flavor, then beverage quality improves, but the operation becomes complex requiring brewing expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The spider web diagram acts as an intermediary that translates simple user flavor selections into precise brewing parameters. Users interact with intuitive flavor descriptors on the diagram rather than directly adjusting technical parameters, while the control device automatically calculates and applies the precise flow rate, temperature, pressure, and contact time settings needed for optimal brewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal brewing parameters based on user flavor preferences. The control device autonomously adjusts all brewing settings without requiring user expertise, as the spider web diagram interface and control algorithm work together to translate taste goals into precise brewing conditions independently.
3Productivity
If flow rate is set first as a primary parameter, then the brewing process is simple to control, but the flow rate may not be optimal for the specific coffee powder properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow rate adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically modifies the flow rate based on the selected flavor profile and coffee properties, allowing optimization for different coffee powders while maintaining efficient brewing. The flow rate becomes a variable parameter that adapts to specific brewing requirements rather than a static setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter based on user selections from the spider web diagram and detected coffee properties. Instead of using a single fixed flow rate, the control device adjusts this parameter along with temperature, pressure, and contact time to achieve optimal brewing efficiency and flavor extraction for each specific brewing scenario.
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 users to easily adjust brewing parameters for optimal flavor, providing a wide range of beverage options by allowing precise selection of taste parameters within defined limits, ensuring the beverage meets user preferences without requiring expertise in brewing settings.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (9) for heating the water supplied to the brewing chamber (41)
Implementation Method 2
a pump (8) which is designed to convey the water from the source (14) to the brewing chamber (41)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hot beverage maker (1) with a flow line system (2) comprising: - a water source (14); - a brewing unit (40), wherein the brewing unit (40) comprises a brewing chamber (41) for receiving the beverage to be brewed and an inlet line (L4) for introducing brewing water into the brewing chamber (41); - a heating device (9) for heating the water supplied to the brewing chamber (41); - a pump (9) configured to deliver the water from the source (14) to the brewing chamber (41); - a control device (18) for activating and deactivating the aforementioned actuators for preparing a selected beverage; - an operating and display device (50) with a touch-sensitive display (51) on which a selection range of a parameter is displayed and a desired setting of the parameter can be made by means of a touch or touch gesture within the selection range.wherein the control unit (18) is connected to the operating and display device (50) to prepare the beverage based on the selection, wherein the control unit (18) is configured to control the pump (9), the heating element () and the valve assembly (V) for preparing the beverage depending on the set sensory properties. In order to offer the user clear operation, the operating and display device (50) is configured to output a spider web diagram (52, 53) to display sensory properties on the display (51) for setting the parameters, and to detect a touch or gesture within the border of the spider web diagram (52, 53) as a selection for the sensory property.