Brew Chamber Lid-Triggered Water Transfer for Fresh Single-Serve Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of beverage forming devices, such as coffee brewers, often require precise control over the volume and type of liquid used for brewing, and existing devices may leave stale water in the reservoir between uses, affecting beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A method where the brew chamber lid opening automatically delivers all water from the reservoir to the heating tank, allowing users to easily refill with fresh liquid and ensuring the device is empty between uses, enabling precise control over liquid volume and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reservoir is provided in the beverage forming device for storing water, then water is readily available for brewing, but stale water accumulates in the reservoir between uses, degrading beverage quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically delivers water from the reservoir to the brewing chamber before the brewing cycle begins, ensuring the reservoir is emptied of stale water in advance. This preliminary action prevents stale water accumulation while maintaining readiness for brewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage forming device autonomously manages water delivery from the reservoir without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates to empty the reservoir between uses, eliminating the need for manual draining while preventing stale water issues.
2Measurement precision
If users manually add water to the reservoir, then control over water volume and type is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic water delivery from the reservoir to the brewing chamber in advance of the brewing cycle, eliminating the need for users to manually measure and add water at the time of use. This preliminary automated action saves time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously manages water volume and delivery without requiring user intervention for measuring or pouring. The system self-regulates the water transfer process, reducing the time and effort users must spend on water preparation.
3Ease of operation
If the brew chamber is opened to add water, then fresh water can be provided, but the simple act of opening the lid should also trigger automated water delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the manual action of opening the brew chamber lid with the automated water delivery function. These two separate actions are merged into a single integrated operation, where opening the lid automatically triggers the water transfer from the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The device detects when the brew chamber lid is opened and autonomously initiates water delivery without requiring a separate user command. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while implementing automation.
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 allows for precise liquid control and maintenance of fresh water in the brewing process, enhancing beverage quality by ensuring all water is used and preventing stale water from accumulating, suitable for single-serve brewing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a heating tank (8) arranged to heat the precursor liquid
Implementation Method 2
arranged to deliver the precursor liquid to the heating tank in response to opening of the brew chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.