Method for delivering a coffee beverage by centrifugation in a beverage producing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee extraction methods, such as drip brewing and traditional centrifugation, fail to deliver short coffee beverages with adequate aroma and flavor intensity, body, and crema, particularly for ristretto or espresso-type coffees, due to non-homogeneous liquid interaction with coffee powder and inefficient extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a capsule with 5.0 to 8.5 grams of ground coffee powder, centrifuged at speeds between 2500 to 7500 rpm, with a pre-compaction step to ensure uniform coffee powder distribution and controlled liquid flow rates to optimize extraction, and a controlled prewetting step to ensure proper liquid distribution before high-speed centrifugation for efficient coffee extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugation is used to extract coffee, then extraction speed is improved, but liquid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary action by performing a pre-compaction step before centrifugation. The coffee powder is compacted at low speed (500-2000 rpm) for 1-5 seconds to create uniform distribution and eliminate air pockets, ensuring homogeneous liquid distribution during subsequent high-speed centrifugation extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using variable rotation speeds in different phases: low speed (500-2000 rpm) during pre-compaction phase, then high speed (2500-7500 rpm) during extraction phase. This periodic variation in rotation speed optimizes both uniformity and extraction efficiency
2Productivity
If high centrifugal force is applied, then extraction efficiency is improved, but coffee quality (aroma and flavour intensity) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with variable rotation speeds: low speed (500-2000 rpm) during pre-compaction to maintain quality, then high speed (2500-7500 rpm) during extraction to maximize efficiency. This temporal separation of speed levels resolves the contradiction between extraction efficiency and coffee quality
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-compaction step at low speed prepares the coffee powder structure beforehand, creating optimal conditions for subsequent high-speed extraction. This preliminary preparation allows high-speed extraction to proceed efficiently without compromising quality, as the uniform structure prevents channeling and ensures consistent liquid distribution
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 method enhances the aroma, flavor intensity, and crema quality of short coffee beverages, matching traditional extraction methods while allowing for the production of various coffee volumes with improved extraction efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the capsule at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a short coffee extract from a capsule containing coffee powder. The method includes providing a capsule containing contains between 5.0 and 8.5 gram of ground coffee powder, injecting liquid into the capsule to interact with the coffee powder, and centrifuging the capsule in a beverage producing device to force, by the effect of centrifugal forces, the liquid coffee extract out of the capsule so that it can be collected and dispensed. The extraction of the liquid coffee extract is preferably obtained by rotating the capsule within a speed range of 2500 to 7500 rpm.