Rotating Reservoir Coffee Maker for Uniform Powder Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee makers fail to achieve uniform extraction of coffee from coffee powder as the external liquid flow does not effectively contact all surfaces of the powder during brewing.
Innovation Solution
A coffee maker design featuring a rotating reservoir with a support arm and dissolution cup configuration, where the reservoir rotates to swirl liquid into the dissolution cup, ensuring full contact with coffee powder for even extraction, and includes additional features like a motor, mesh filter, and thermometer for enhanced brewing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If external liquid directly flows to coffee powder in conventional coffee makers, then the brewing process is simple, but the coffee extraction is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed to rotate during the brewing process, transforming the static liquid flow into a dynamic swirling motion. This rotation is achieved through a motor-driven mechanism that spins the reservoir, causing the liquid to flow in a circular pattern over the coffee powder, thereby improving extraction uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
A dissolution cup is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the coffee cup. The liquid first flows into the dissolution cup, where it interacts with the coffee powder in a controlled manner, and then the extracted coffee flows into the final cup. This intermediary structure enables better contact and extraction
2Manufacturing precision
If the reservoir rotates to swirl liquid into the dissolution cup, then coffee extraction becomes uniform and thorough, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The driver mechanism is nested within the support arm structure, which itself is mounted on the base. The motor, transmission belt, and rotational ring are integrated into a compact arrangement where components are housed within each other, reducing overall device footprint while maintaining the rotation function
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm combines multiple functions: it holds the reservoir, contains the driver mechanism, and provides structural support for the entire brewing assembly. The chamber in the support arm houses both the motor and the dissolution cup, merging several components into a single integrated structure
3Manufacturing precision
If the reservoir rotates at high speed, then liquid flows more vigorously over coffee powder improving extraction, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is designed to operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It activates the reservoir rotation only during the brewing phase, then stops when brewing is complete. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous rotation, while still achieving effective extraction during the active brewing period
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
This design ensures thorough and uniform coffee extraction, allowing for better brewing results by ensuring the liquid flows swirlingly over the coffee powder, improving the overall coffee-making process.
Implementation Method 1
a motor mounted in the chamber of the support arm. The rotational ring can be connected to a rotating shaft of the motor via a transmission belt
Implementation Method 2
A driver is mounted in the support arm and is configured to drive the reservoir to rotate, making a liquid in the reservoir flow swirlingly into the dissolution cup
Implementation Method 3
The coffee maker can further include a mesh filter mounted between the dissolution cup and the coffee cup
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee maker includes a base for supporting a coffee cup. A support arm is mounted on an upper surface of the base and extends perpendicularly to the base. The support arm includes a chamber. A holding tube extends outward from a top portion of the support arm. A reservoir securely is held by the holding tube and receives a liquid. A bracket extends outward from an intermediate portion of the support arm. A dissolution cup is supported by the bracket. A driver is mounted in the support arm and is configured to drive the reservoir to rotate. The liquid in the reservoir flow swirlingly into the dissolution cup to fully and evenly contact with surfaces of the coffee powder, thereby fully extracting the coffee powders. The liquid flows into the coffee cup after dissolving the coffee powder.