Hot Water Brewer Control for Precise Single-Cup Brewing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional brewing devices lack precise control over water temperature and steeping time, and they often consume excess energy by heating large amounts of water for a single cup of tea or coffee, while also not providing a facility for dispensing hot water simultaneously with brewing.
Innovation Solution
A combined hot water dispenser and beverage brewer with a water heating section, storage sections, and a user interface with control mechanisms, including temperature sensors and discharge mechanisms, allows for precise temperature control and adjustable water volume, enabling efficient brewing and hot water dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional brewing devices heat a large amount of water to prepare one cup of tea or coffee, then the beverage preparation is simple, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the water heating and dispensing functions into distinct controllable units. The boiler reservoir heats water, while the discharge mechanisms deliver precise amounts to brewing or dispensing sections, allowing energy-efficient heating of only the necessary water volume rather than heating large amounts for single-cup preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of water volume from large amounts to precisely controlled small amounts. The controller regulates the discharge mechanisms to deliver exact water volumes required for brewing or hot water dispensing, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining beverage preparation capability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional brewing devices boil water and pour into a pot with infuser, then the brewing process is straightforward, but precise control of temperature and steeping time is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors and automated timing control. The controller monitors brewing parameters and adjusts water discharge timing and temperature to achieve precise control over steeping time and water temperature, while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical brewing operations with automated electronic control. The controller electronically manages water discharge timing, temperature regulation, and steeping duration, providing precise measurement and control without complicating the user operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional brewing devices only brew tea or coffee, then the device function is simple, but the facility to dispense hot water separately is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both brewing and hot water dispensing capabilities within a single system. The boiler reservoir and discharge mechanisms serve dual purposes: delivering water for brewing tea/coffee and dispensing hot water separately, thereby increasing adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the brewing function and hot water dispensing function into one integrated device. The water heating section, storage sections, and delivery section work together to provide both brewing operations and separate hot water dispensing, combining multiple functions while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Productivity
If traditional brewing devices heat water for brewing, then the beverage can be prepared, but the ability to provide hot water on demand for other uses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by maintaining a reservoir of heated water in the boiler and hot water storage sections. This pre-heated water is readily available for immediate dispensing for brewing or other hot water needs, improving productivity by eliminating waiting time while enhancing adaptability through on-demand hot water availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining water in a heated state in the boiler and storage sections, ready for continuous dispensing. This allows uninterrupted beverage preparation and provides hot water on demand without requiring repeated heating cycles, thereby improving both productivity and versatility.
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 enables users to optimize energy consumption by controlling brewing parameters and provides hot water on demand, improving the quality and efficiency of beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element may be configured to heat water inside the boiler reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the first water discharge mechanism may include a first discharge faucet and a first discharge tube... the first discharge faucet may be configured to allow water discharge from the top end of the boiler reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A combined hot water dispenser and beverage brewer. The combined hot water dispenser and beverage brewer includes a water heating section and a water storage section. The water heating section includes a boiler reservoir, a heating element, a first water discharge mechanism, and a second discharge mechanism. The water storage section includes a cold water reservoir and a hot water reservoir disposed above the boiler reservoir.