Piston Brewing Chamber and Buffer Reservoir for Single-Cup and Batch Coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production systems lack flexibility in producing both single cups and larger volumes efficiently, with most capable of only one or the other, limiting their ability to accommodate varying demand periods effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular brewing mechanism with a controllable pressurized brewing system that uses a piston to actively manage brewing parameters such as steep time, extraction time, and agitation, allowing for both single cup and batch production, with a buffer reservoir for efficient dispensing and freshness monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a brewing system is designed for single cup production, then single cup quality is improved, but ability to produce larger volumes efficiently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can produce single cups with high quality using a brewing chamber and filter assembly, and simultaneously produce larger volumes by directing multiple cycles of brewing to a buffer reservoir. The piston mechanism and water delivery system are configured to accommodate both single cup and batch production modes, allowing the system to adapt to varying demand periods effectively.
2Productivity
If a brewing system is designed for large volume production, then productivity is improved, but single cup quality and flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow it to switch between different production modes. The piston can be controlled to move at varying speeds and with different agitation levels, and the system can direct output to either single cup dispensing or batch accumulation in the buffer reservoir. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize for single cup quality when needed and for large volume production when demand requires it.
3Device complexity
If gravity-based drip brewing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but brewing control precision and extraction quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a piston mechanism that uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles to control the brewing process. The piston moves downward to compress the brewing substance and water mixture, creating pressure that forces beverage through the filter. This pressurized brewing mechanism provides precise control over extraction parameters including pressure, steep time, and agitation, while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If active brewing mechanism with piston compression is used, then brewing control precision and extraction quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a brewing chamber for the brewing process, a buffer reservoir for batch storage, a piston mechanism for pressurized extraction, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability. The modular design reduces complexity by separating the active brewing mechanism from the storage and dispensing functions.
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 high-quality single cup production while efficiently handling larger volumes, improving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness by accommodating both low and peak demand periods through flexible brewing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes controllable pressurized brewing in a column or chamber using a controllable piston moving in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The piston is moved to draw the brewed beverage through a filter under force of suction and allow brewed beverage to drain from the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes at least a modular brewing mechanism. Also, the system includes a reservoir for retaining a volume of beverage produced by the brewing mechanism. The system includes controls for dispensing a single cup of beverage while producing multiple cycles of beverage for transfer to the reservoir. The system also includes controls for monitoring freshness of beverage, controllably disposing of beverage, and controlling production of single cup or batch production of beverage. The method and apparatus includes controllable pressurized brewing in a column or chamber using a controllable piston moving in the chamber and which may include controlling steep time, pressurization, extraction time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics.