Multi-Functional Brewing Apparatus for Hot and Cold Beverage Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold-brew coffee methods are time-consuming and lack convenience for home use, as they require separate machines and often result in unsatisfactory flavor when attempting to accelerate brewing processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional coffee machine that can perform both hot and cold brewing, with features like temperature control, grinding, pressurization, and pH management, allowing for customizable brewing processes, including nitrogenation and carbonation, to produce high-quality coffee efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cold-brewing is performed using traditional methods, then the beverage has a less bitter taste, but the brewing time is excessively long (up to 72 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including temperature (maintaining 25-75°C), pressure (up to 30 bar), and agitation intensity to optimize extraction rate while preventing bitterness. The system transitions from static traditional cold-brewing to a dynamic controlled process that adapts conditions throughout brewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the brewing process - specifically maintaining temperature between 25-75°C (unlike traditional room temperature cold-brewing), applying pressure up to 30 bar, and controlling agitation intensity. These parameter changes accelerate extraction while preserving the smooth taste profile of cold-brewed coffee.
2Ease of operation
If stand-alone cold-brewing machines are purchased, then cold-brewing can be performed at home, but kitchen space is consumed and multiple machines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system is designed as a multi-functional apparatus that performs hot brewing, cold brewing, nitrogenation, carbonation, and beverage dispensing through a single integrated machine. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated cold-brewing machines while providing comprehensive beverage preparation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges previously separate functions (hot brewing, cold brewing, gas injection, agitation, temperature control) into a single integrated system. The brewing chamber serves multiple purposes, and the controller coordinates multiple subsystems to achieve various brewing modes within one appliance.
3Loss of time
If agitation is introduced to accelerate cold-brewing, then brewing time is reduced, but the flavor becomes unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation system provides dynamic, controlled movement rather than continuous vigorous stirring. The agitation intensity and duration are precisely controlled to enhance extraction efficiency without over-extracting bitter compounds, thereby maintaining flavor quality while reducing brewing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls agitation as a adjustable parameter alongside temperature and pressure. By optimizing agitation intensity and timing in combination with other parameters (temperature 25-75°C, pressure up to 30 bar), the system achieves faster brewing while preserving satisfactory flavor.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple brewing machines are purchased for different brewing processes, then each brewing process can be optimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple brewing processes (hot brewing, cold brewing, nitrogenated cold-brew, carbonated cold-brew) through a single universal machine. The controller enables selection between different brewing modes, and the hardware configuration supports all processes using shared components like the brewing chamber, temperature control, and gas injection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines previously separate brewing machines into one integrated apparatus. Functions that required separate devices (hot brewer, cold brewer, nitro coffee maker) are merged into a single system with unified control, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining brewing process 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
The machine enables quick and flavorful cold-brew coffee production at home, with customizable options for brewing time, strength, and flavor, addressing the limitations of existing cold-brew methods by integrating multiple brewing processes into a single appliance.
Implementation Method 1
there is preferably a heater configured to heat the brewing chamber and/or a brewing substance contained in the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
there is provided a pressurising arrangement configured selectively to increase the pressure within the brewing chamber to a level above atmospheric pressure during a hot brew process, or to decrease the pressure to a level below atmospheric pressure during a cold brew process
Implementation Method 3
there is a pump configured to convey a brewing substance through the chamber outlet
Implementation Method 4
there is an agitating arrangement configured to agitate contents of the brewing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing an infused or brewed beverage comprises a brewing arrangement which is configured to brew a beverage according to a selected one of a plurality of brewing processes, at least one being a hot brewing processes and at least one being a cold brewing process. The apparatus includes a controller configured to receive a user selection indicative of a required beverage, and to control the brewing arrangement in dependence upon the user selection. The apparatus may for example be used to provide either hot brew or cold brew coffee as required, without the need for multiple machines.