Method for making and dispensing coffee-based beverages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines for professional use require continuous pressure control and modification, leading to increased complexity and cost, and fail to maintain consistent organoleptic characteristics in coffee-based beverages.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a preheating boiler with temperature control, a hydraulic pump, and a dispensing assembly with temperature control, along with manual or electronic means to manage thermal power, and weighing systems to ensure consistent brew ratios by adjusting water volume and pressure based on coffee weight, achieving a pre-infusion, infusion, and post-infusion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If continuous pressure control and modification is implemented, then coffee dispensing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating water before dispensing, and by pre-programming dispensing profiles that define pressure, temperature, and flow parameters in advance. This eliminates the need for continuous real-time control adjustments during dispensing, reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic control of multiple parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) that can be adjusted between dispensing cycles through programmable profiles. This allows the system to adapt to different coffee types and preferences without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms during each dispensing event.
2Manufacturing precision
If continuous pressure control is implemented, then dispensing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex continuous mechanical pressure control systems with programmable electronic control of pump motors and heating elements. This substitution achieves precise dispensing control through software-defined parameters rather than continuous mechanical adjustment mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operator choice on pressure is allowed, then adaptability is improved, but result consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where dispensing profiles are optimized based on measured outcomes, and where the control system monitors actual dispensing parameters to ensure they match the programmed profile. This feedback loop maintains consistency by correcting deviations while still allowing operator selection from multiple validated profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows operators to select from multiple pre-optimized parameter sets (profiles) that define specific pressure, temperature, and flow combinations. Each profile is independently optimized for consistent results with its specific coffee type or preference, maintaining consistency within each profile while providing adaptability across different profiles.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple control systems are added, then brewing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple control functions (pressure control, temperature control, flow rate control, timing) into a single integrated programmable control system. Rather than adding separate control mechanisms for each parameter, the system coordinates all parameters through unified software control that manages the interaction between pump, heater, and valves as an integrated process.
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 allows for consistent organoleptic characteristics and repeatable coffee quality over time, simplifying the brewing process while maintaining constant results in the cup, enhancing aroma extraction and brew quality.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, arranged inside the housing and adapted to heat the water contained in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pump, arranged inside the housing and adapted to deliver the water at a controlled flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making and dispensing coffee-based beverages in machines includes increasing the water temperature inside a boiler and assembly to achieve preheating with to adjust the delivered thermal power. The method includes three dispensing steps. Preheated water at a selected temperature achieves a pre-infusion in a preset time or water volume without pressure in the hydraulic pump, wherein the coffee powder is only wet. Next, the coffee powder is infused by means of the use of a logic unit that manages the volume of dispensed water by a volumetric meter and at a preset, constant pressure as a function of the ground coffee and dispensed product weight. An amount by volume of water is dispensed and calculated to achieve a selected and preset brew ratio. Finally, post-infusion is achieved in which the hydraulic pump is deactivated for a time needed to reach by weight the programmed dose of dispensed product.