Pour over coffee maker with TDS measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee makers lack the ability to produce batches of coffee with consistent quality, as they do not effectively measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) without contaminating the coffee and require separate devices for weight and temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A single pour-over coffee maker integrating weight, temperature, and TDS measuring functions, featuring a measurement chamber with a TDS sensor, temperature sensor, and fluid transfer system, along with a weight sensor and display panel to ensure accurate and repeatable coffee brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a TDS sensor is used to measure coffee TDS value, then the TDS measurement can be achieved, but the coffee may be contaminated and extra washing effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee maker is divided into separate functional components: a brewing chamber for coffee preparation and a measurement chamber for TDS sensing. The TDS sensor is isolated in the measurement chamber, separated from the main coffee brewing and serving area, preventing contamination while enabling accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid transfer system acts as an intermediary between the brewing chamber and measurement chamber. This intermediate system allows coffee to be transferred for measurement without direct contact between the TDS sensor and the main coffee supply, eliminating contamination risk while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for weight and temperature measurements, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement functions (TDS sensing, temperature measurement, weight measurement) are merged into a single integrated coffee maker device. The weight sensor, temperature sensor, and TDS sensor all operate within one unified system, eliminating the need for separate external devices and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coffee maker is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs brewing, weighing coffee grounds and water, temperature monitoring, and TDS measurement. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple separate tools, simplifying the user's equipment needs while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 the production of coffee with a repeatable taste profile by measuring and displaying TDS values, weight, and temperature, allowing users to achieve consistent coffee quality by adjusting coffee grounds and water amounts based on displayed values.
Implementation Method 1
a TDS sensor (8)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor (9)
Implementation Method 3
a weight sensor (52)
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a coffee maker having: an upper structure with a filter (1) and a measurement chamber (2); the measurement chamber (2) has TDS sensor (8), a temperature sensor (9) and a fluid transfer system (7); a lower structure with a weight sensor (52); a plurality of connecting elements (4) enacting the upper structure above the lower structure; and carafe (6) to be placed between the upper structure and lower structure; and a display panel (51) showing data from the TDS sensor, temperature sensor, or weight sensor.