Single-Cup Brewer Water Reservoir and Pump for Faster Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage making apparatuses require significant waiting time for heated water to be dispensed, as they rely on pre-heated reservoirs that need to reach temperature before use, and lack flexibility in accommodating different beverage formats such as pods and cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A brewing system with a heated water reservoir and a water pump that displaces heated water upon demand, combined with a modular design allowing use of both pre-packaged pods and cartridges, and a sensor-controlled mechanism for efficient water management and brewing cycle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a pre-heated water reservoir is used to ensure heated water is available for brewing, then the beverage making process can proceed, but significant waiting time is required for the reservoir to reach heating temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water in a reservoir before brewing is needed. The reservoir is heated in advance so that when brewing is required, hot water is already available immediately, eliminating the waiting time contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a fixed beverage making apparatus design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it lacks flexibility in accommodating different beverage formats such as pods and cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The holder assembly is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate multiple beverage formats including pods, cartridges, and other formats. The spray head and holder configuration can work with different beverage containers, providing multi-functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Loss of time
If a water pump system is added to displace heated water upon demand, then waiting time for water dispensing is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A water pump is integrated into the system to hydraulically displace heated water from the reservoir to the spray head upon demand. This hydraulic mechanism enables rapid water dispensing without manual intervention, reducing waiting time while maintaining reasonable device complexity through efficient pump integration.
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
Reduces waiting time for heated water dispensing and allows for flexible use of various beverage formats, ensuring efficient brewing cycles and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in association with the reservoir. Water is supplied to the reservoir, heated
Implementation Method 2
a water pump that displaces heated water upon demand
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage making apparatus including a housing containing a water system. The water system includes a heated water reservoir and a pour-in basin for receiving water. The pour-in basin is connected to a water pump which pumps water from the basin to the heated water reservoir. Water from the heated water reservoir is moved to a spray head for dispensing to a beverage brewing substance retained in either at least one of a pod format or a cartridge format. A pair of conductance probes are contained in the fill basin to indicate the status of water in the fill basin. The brewer is designed for use with multiple beverage making substance holders so that multiple beverage substance formats can be used with the brewer.