Multifunctional brewing system for coffee, beer, and other beverages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated and semi-automated beer brewing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust brewing processes to achieve precise sensory characteristics, often resulting in variations in taste and quality due to deviations in measured parameters during brewing sessions.
Innovation Solution
A brewing device with a programmable controller that uses a performance model to adjust mashing and boiling schedules in real-time, allowing for recirculation of liquid through multiple reservoirs and flow paths, and enabling sequential, cascading, or parallel percolation methods to optimize ingredient extraction and flavor profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated or semi-automated beer brewing systems use fixed programmable controls to execute brewing procedures, then the brewing process can be automated, but the system lacks the ability to dynamically adjust to achieve precise sensory characteristics, resulting in variations in taste and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures brewing parameters (temperature, flow rate, ingredient ratios) during the brewing process and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the brewing procedure. Sensors monitor the brewing liquid as it passes through ingredient containers, and the controller modifies parameters in real-time to maintain target sensory characteristics, resolving the contradiction between automation and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-program controls to dynamic adaptive controls that can modify brewing parameters during execution. The controller adjusts temperature profiles, flow rates, and ingredient addition timing based on real-time measurements, enabling the automated system to achieve precise and consistent sensory characteristics despite variations in brewing conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses multiple ingredient containers with recirculating flow paths to enable sequential percolation, then ingredient extraction flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system is divided into multiple independent ingredient containers, each holding different ingredients (coffee, tea, spices, etc.). The brewing liquid recirculates through these segmented containers in sequence, allowing flexible ingredient extraction. This segmentation enables versatility while keeping each container relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculating brewing liquid system serves multiple functions: it extracts ingredients from different containers sequentially, allows for parallel or cascading percolation modes, and can be controlled to achieve various brewing styles. This multi-functional approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same recirculating mechanism handles multiple brewing scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system dynamically adjusts brewing parameters based on measured parameters, then manufacturing precision of sensory characteristics is improved, but the extent of automation and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors that continuously measure brewing parameters (temperature, flow rate, ingredient concentration) and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts parameters to maintain target sensory characteristics, achieving precision while managing complexity through automated feedback loops rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying brewing parameters based on real-time measurements without requiring external intervention. The controller autonomously corrects deviations from target parameters, enabling precise sensory characteristics while reducing the operational complexity of manual monitoring and adjustment.
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 system ensures consistent beer quality by dynamically adjusting brewing steps based on measured parameters, achieving desired taste characteristics and reducing manual intervention, while maintaining operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A recirculating beer making system may have a heating mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The recirculating liquid may be dispensed into a flow path and through one or more reservoirs containing ingredients
Implementation Method 3
Infusion drinks, such as tea, may extract chemical compounds or flavors from materials in water, which may act as a solvent
Implementation Method 4
Percolated drinks, such as coffee, may extract compounds and flavors by passing a solvent, such as water, through the material, such as coffee grounds
Implementation Method 5
A recirculating infusion system may have a flow path through a reservoir containing an ingredient, and the recirculating liquid may be dispensed into the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A brewing device may have several different configurations to make various beverages. Under computer control, the device may be able to sequence various ingredients using direct or recirculating percolation for immediate consumption, such as coffee and tea, or for fermenting for later consumption, such as beer, kombutcha, or other consumable products. The device may be capable of a sequenced percolation, such as coffee infusion of a first type of coffee, then a second type of coffee, followed by vanilla, and followed by spices. The device may be capable of sequential, cascading, or parallel percolation directly or using recirculating paths. Ingredients may be pre-packaged or may be placed into various removable and cleanable containers. The device may further be capable of infusion by steeping ingredients in a dispensing device.