Multi-Mode Brewing Apparatus for Rapid Cold-Brew Coffee Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold-brew coffee methods are time-consuming and lack convenience for home use, with existing machines either being slow or requiring additional space and complex mechanisms that compromise flavor.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional coffee machine capable of both hot and cold brewing, with features like temperature control, grinding, pressurization, pH management, and gas addition, allowing for customizable brewing processes to produce high-quality coffee efficiently and conveniently.
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 process uses periodic agitation cycles where the brewing arrangement is agitated for specific time intervals (e.g., 5 seconds on, 10 seconds off) repeated over the brewing period. This periodic action enhances extraction efficiency and reduces total brewing time while maintaining the desirable less-bitter flavor profile of cold-brewed coffee
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters including temperature (maintaining cold temperatures between 25-75°C), pressure (applying controlled pressure during brewing), and agitation intensity/variation to optimize extraction. These parameter changes enable rapid cold-brewing (reducing time from 72 hours to minutes) while preserving the low-bitterness characteristic
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 coffee machine is designed to perform multiple brewing functions including hot brewing, cold brewing, nitrogenated brewing, and carbonated brewing within a single device. The brewing arrangement can be configured for different processes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cold-brewing machines and reducing kitchen space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing arrangement is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to adapt between different brewing modes (hot/cold, pressurized/ambient, with/without gas). This dynamic versatility enables one machine to replace multiple specialized devices
3Productivity
If agitation mechanisms are added to accelerate cold-brewing, then brewing time is reduced, but the mechanisms become complex and flavor quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation function is extracted from complex mechanical stirring mechanisms and replaced with simpler alternatives such as pressure application, gas injection (nitrogen/carbon dioxide), or ultrasonic vibration. This extraction of the agitation function achieves rapid extraction without complex mechanical parts, maintaining flavor quality while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical agitation systems are replaced with non-mechanical or simplified mechanisms including pressure-driven flow, gas sparging, or ultrasonic fields. This substitution achieves effective mixing and extraction acceleration without the complexity of mechanical stirrers or pumps
4Adaptability or versatility
If nitrogenated and/or carbonated cold-brew coffee is produced, then fashionable beverage options are available, but home preparation is not currently convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The gas injection system is integrated directly into the brewing arrangement, combining the cold-brewing and nitrogenation/carbonation functions in a single unified process. Gas can be injected during brewing or into the finished beverage, providing fashionable nitrogenated and carbonated options with the convenience of home preparation
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 rapid and flavorful cold-brew coffee production at home, with customizable options for brewing time, strength, and flavor, while maintaining the quality and convenience of a single appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurisation arrangement configured to increase a pressure within the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a heating arrangement configured to heat the brewing chamber and/or a brewing substance contained in the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a pH arrangement configured to modify a pH value of the brewed beverage
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.