Method and an apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing units are unable to produce tea effectively due to high pressure operation, capsule damage, leakage issues, and tea adherence, which complicates cleaning and beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a brewing chamber featuring a lateral opening, a positioning device for capsules, and a switchable valve on the bottom side, allowing for pressureless brewing, capsule protection, and easy cleaning, along with a method that involves heating water, introducing it through an upper inlet, and controlling brewing parameters based on capsule coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a capsule is pierced for brewing, then the beverage can be prepared, but the capsule is damaged and leakage flows occur
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is extracted from the high-pressure piercing mechanism, allowing the capsule to remain intact while water is introduced through a lateral opening at atmospheric pressure. The capsule is positioned in the brewing chamber without being pierced, separating the containment function from the brewing function.
Solution Approach 2:
A lateral opening in the brewing chamber wall acts as an intermediary, allowing water to enter the brewing chamber and reach the capsule without direct contact or piercing. This mediator enables beverage preparation while preserving capsule integrity.
2Productivity
If high pressure is used for brewing, then the brewing process is efficient, but tea cannot be produced and capsules are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system dynamically adjusts pressure conditions, operating at high pressure for coffee extraction when needed but capable of switching to atmospheric pressure for tea brewing. The lateral opening design allows flexible pressure regulation to accommodate different beverage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber with lateral opening serves multiple functions: it can handle both high-pressure coffee brewing and atmospheric pressure tea infusion, and works with intact capsules without piercing mechanisms. This universal design accommodates various beverage types and capsule configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the inlet is positioned at the top, then water can be introduced easily, but the capsule cannot be inserted without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet is positioned at the top for easy operation, but water is directed through a lateral opening in the brewing chamber wall to reach the capsule. This dimensional redirection allows top inlet positioning without compromising capsule integrity during insertion.
4Device complexity
If the brewing chamber volume is limited by the inlet position, then the structure is compact, but the brewing volume cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is segmented into the capsule volume and the surrounding brewing chamber volume. The lateral opening allows water to fill the brewing chamber around the capsule, enabling variable brewing volumes independent of the inlet position and accommodating different capsule sizes.
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 the preparation of tea and other beverages without damaging capsules, prevents leakage, simplifies cleaning, and allows for customizable brewing parameters, ensuring optimal water guidance and handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a device to produce heated water
Implementation Method 2
a positioning device for positioning a capsule with an ingredient for brewing a beverage at the lateral opening of the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 3
an outlet including a switchable valve on the bottom side of the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 4
the capsule is able to drop downwardly through an insertion chute in order to be positioned by a mechanical positioning means laterally on the brewing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage includes a device for heating and delivering water, a brewing chamber, into which the heated water is introduced, a positioning device for positioning a capsule, with contents for brewing the beverage, at a lateral opening of the brewing chamber, and an outlet with a switchable valve on an underside of the brewing chamber, wherein an inlet for introducing the hot water is provided on an upper side of the brewing chamber. A method is also described for preparing a brewed beverage.