Sonic Beverage Cartridge Receiver for Uniform Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewing technologies using sonic energy face challenges in controlling energy intensity and distribution within the brew funnel, leading to uneven extraction and potential erosion of ultrasonic probes, resulting in suboptimal beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A beverage cartridge with a sonic receiver that transmits sonic energy from an emitter into its interior space, using acoustically compliant portions or acoustic coupling mediums to ensure uniform energy distribution and prevent energy concentration, thereby enhancing extraction and preventing probe erosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultrasonic energy is applied to the exterior of a brew funnel, then the brewing process can be enhanced, but the sonic energy distribution becomes uneven and cannot be properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustically transparent window as an intermediary component that allows ultrasonic energy to pass through the brew funnel wall into the interior. This mediator enables controlled transmission of sonic energy while maintaining uniform distribution throughout the beverage medium, resolving the contradiction between brewing efficiency enhancement and sonic energy distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the brew funnel by incorporating regions with different acoustic transmission properties. The acoustically transparent window creates specific zones where ultrasonic energy can penetrate, allowing precise control over energy distribution parameters and enabling uniform sonic field creation throughout the brewing chamber.
2Productivity
If ultrasonic energy is applied directly to coffee grounds and water in the brew funnel interior, then extraction can be improved, but probe erosion occurs and material may contaminate the beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustically transparent window serves as a non-contact intermediary that transmits ultrasonic energy into the beverage medium without requiring physical insertion of probes. This eliminates the harmful erosion effect on metal probes while still delivering the beneficial extraction enhancement, as the window itself does not erode or contaminate the beverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical probe-based ultrasonic delivery system with an acoustic window-based system. Instead of using physical ultrasonic probes that contact and erode from the beverage medium, the invention substitutes a stationary acoustically transparent window that transmits energy non-invasively, eliminating mechanical wear and contamination risks.
3Productivity
If sonic energy is concentrated in one area of the cartridge, then localized extraction may be enhanced, but tunneling occurs and liquid short circuits without sufficient contact with beverage medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific acoustically transparent regions in the brew funnel wall that allow ultrasonic energy to enter at targeted locations. These localized energy entry points create controlled zones of enhanced extraction without causing tunneling, as the acoustic properties are optimized to distribute energy evenly within each local region rather than creating concentrated pathways.
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
The solution achieves more uniform sonic energy distribution within the cartridge, improving the extraction of dissolved and suspended materials, resulting in a stronger and more turbid beverage, while preventing probe damage and ensuring consistent brewing.
Implementation Method 1
the sonic receiver may include an acoustically compliant portion of the cartridge that vibrates or otherwise moves in response to the sonic energy so as to itself transmit sonic energy to the cartridge interior
Implementation Method 2
A sonic receiver may be associated with the container (e.g., formed as an integrally molded part) and arranged to transmit sonic energy from a sonic emitter located outside of the closed interior space into the interior space
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, the sonic receiver may include an acoustic coupling medium, such as water, a gel, or other substance, that helps to transmit sonic energy from the sonic emitter to the interior of the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for forming beverages using a beverage cartridge and sonic energy. A cartridge may include a sonic receiver, such as a feature that extends into an interior space of the cartridge and is arranged to receive a sonic emitter that introduces sonic energy into the interior space. The sonic receiver may be excited by sonic energy, which causes the sonic receiver to itself introduce sonic energy into the cartridge.