Multifunctional Brewing system for Coffee, Beer, and Other Beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated and semi-automated beer brewing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust brewing processes in real-time to achieve specific taste characteristics, often resulting in variations in beer quality due to deviations in measured parameters during the brewing process.
Innovation Solution
A brewing system equipped with a programmable controller and performance model that can adjust mashing and boiling schedules, as well as other brewing steps, based on real-time measurements to achieve desired sensory characteristics, using a user interface to modify parameters such as mouthfeel, bitterness, and aroma, and incorporating recirculating percolation and cascading reservoirs for efficient ingredient extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated brewing systems use fixed programmable controls to execute predefined recipes, then the brewing process can be automated and standardized, but the system cannot dynamically adjust to real-time deviations in measured parameters, resulting in variations in beer quality
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system incorporates real-time measurement of brewing parameters (temperature, flow rate, ingredient extraction) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the brewing process. The controller compares measured parameters against target values and automatically modifies brewing steps to compensate for deviations, ensuring consistent beer quality while maintaining automation.
2Ease of operation
If the brewing system uses fixed mashing and boiling schedules, then the process is simple to operate, but the system cannot achieve customization of beer styles or compensate for real-time parameter deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system transitions from fixed, static schedules to dynamic, adjustable schedules. The controller can modify mashing and boiling parameters in real-time based on measured conditions, allowing the same system to produce different beer styles by adjusting target parameters while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customization of beer characteristics by allowing users to modify brewing parameters (temperature, time, flow rates, ingredient ratios) while maintaining the automated execution framework. The controller adjusts these parameters dynamically to achieve desired sensory characteristics without requiring manual intervention in the brewing process.
3Device complexity
If the system uses traditional percolation methods for ingredient extraction, then the equipment is simple, but the extraction efficiency and flavor integration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates recirculating flow paths that use hydraulic principles to efficiently circulate brewing liquid through ingredient beds. This recirculation mechanism enhances extraction efficiency by repeatedly passing liquid through the same ingredient material, improving flavor integration while maintaining relatively simple equipment architecture.
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
Ensures consistent beer quality by dynamically adjusting brewing processes to compensate for deviations, allowing for customization of beer styles without changing the ingredient list, and utilizing recirculating and cascading techniques for enhanced extraction and flavor integration.
Implementation Method 1
Sugars are extracted from malted grains through a process called mashing. The sugars are boiled with hops, and the resultant wort is fermented with yeast.
Implementation Method 2
The sugars are boiled with hops, and the resultant wort is fermented with yeast.
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
Infusion drinks, such as tea, may extract chemical compounds or flavors from materials in water
Implementation Method 5
Percolated drinks, such as coffee, may extract compounds and flavors by passing a solvent, such as water, through the material, such as coffee grounds.
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.