Removable Vortex Apparatus for Automated Brewing Sediment Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brewing processes require manual effort or external support to create a whirlpool in brewing vessels for sediment settling, which is inefficient and not adaptable to various brewing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A removably couplable apparatus with a first and second arm portion and a curved portion, along with a cam mechanism, that generates a vortex within the brewing vessel by redirecting liquid flow to settle hops and trub at the center, allowing for adjustable pressure and compatibility with different vessel sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual stirring method is used to create a whirlpool, then the vortex can be generated, but it requires continuous user intervention and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to automatically generate and maintain a vortex without requiring continuous user intervention. The device couples to the brewing vessel and uses the existing liquid flow to create the whirlpool effect, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining the vortex throughout the brewing process
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is installed on the brewing vessel before the brewing process begins, pre-positioned to intercept and redirect liquid flow as it enters the vessel. This preliminary setup ensures that the vortex is generated automatically from the start of the process without requiring manual stirring during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed apparatus is used for vortex generation, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adapted to various brewing apparatuses and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable components including a cam mechanism with an off-center aperture that allows the user to rotate and position the arms at different distances from the vessel sidewall. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to adapt to various brewing vessel sizes and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can attach to different types of brewing vessels. The adjustable arm positioning and cam mechanism allow a single apparatus design to work across multiple brewing system configurations, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices
3Ease of operation
If an apparatus requiring external support is used, then the vortex can be maintained, but it requires continuous user holding and is not hands-free
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus extracts the need for external user support by incorporating a self-contained coupling mechanism that attaches directly to the brewing vessel. The cam and aperture mechanism allows the device to secure itself to the vessel wall, freeing the user from the requirement to continuously hold or support the apparatus while maintaining reliable vortex generation
4Ease of manufacture
If the arm is positioned far from the vessel sidewall, then the apparatus is easy to install, but it cannot apply sufficient pressure to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism features an off-center aperture that creates asymmetric positioning capability. This allows the user to rotate the cam to different positions, thereby adjusting the distance between the arm and the vessel sidewall. The asymmetric design enables both easy installation at greater distances and sufficient pressure application when the cam is rotated to positions that bring the arm closer to the wall
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
Facilitates efficient sediment settling and improves the efficiency of immersion chillers and HERMS coils by creating a stable whirlpool without user intervention, enhancing brewing process efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the apparatus is configured to generate a vortex/whirlpool of a liquid within the brewing vessel
Implementation Method 2
any sediment, trub, or hops are moved to the center of an area at the bottom of the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A removably couplable vortex apparatus for a brewing vessel comprising a first arm portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end includes an outlet, wherein the first arm portion is positioned within an interior of the vessel and a second arm portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the second arm portion includes an inlet, wherein the second arm portion is positioned on an exterior of the vessel. The apparatus can further include a curved portion, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first arm portion extends a first predetermined distance from the first end of the curved portion and the second arm portion extends a second predetermined distance from the second end of the curved portion.