Structured Coffee Composition for Flexible Dosing and Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewing technologies face challenges in determining the correct dose of coffee for brewing pots of different sizes and in achieving consistent coffee strength, as well as in efficiently brewing varying amounts without the limitations of single-serving pods or instant coffee preferences.
Innovation Solution
A structured coffee composition comprising ground roast coffee particles coated with coffee extracts, forming a porous structure that can be used in various brewing methods, allowing for flexible brewing quantities and strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standardized filter packs are used to provide predetermined coffee amounts, then consistent coffee strength is achieved, but the consumer is required to make the amount of servings for which the filter pack is designed and cannot easily adjust strength
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee composition is divided into discrete single-serving units that can be individually dosed. Each unit contains a predetermined amount of coffee designed for one serving, allowing consumers to use exactly the right amount without waste or the need to adjust dosing for different brew sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical state of coffee from ground particles to a compressed tablet form. This parameter change in physical state allows for precise dosing control while maintaining brewing flexibility, as the tablet can be dissolved in varying amounts of water to achieve different strengths.
2Ease of operation
If single serving pods are used, then single cup brewing is enabled, but the pods must have a specific configuration to fit brewer(s) for which they are designed and are limited to making a single cup at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee tablet composition is designed to be universally compatible with multiple brewing systems including automatic drip coffee makers, single serving coffee makers, percolating coffee makers, moka pot coffee makers, French press coffee makers, vacuum coffee makers, espresso coffee makers, thermal coffee makers, tea diffusers, pour over brewers, and cold brew brewers. This multi-functionality allows a single product design to serve diverse brewing needs without requiring configuration-specific pods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical form from rigid configured pods to a flexible tablet composition that can adapt to different brewer requirements. The tablet's physical properties allow it to function across various brewing methods, eliminating the need for brewer-specific configurations.
3Productivity
If instant coffee tablets are used, then brewing speed is improved, but instant coffee is not preferred by some consumers who prefer ground roast coffee
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee tablet is created as a composite material combining instant coffee with ground roast coffee particles. This composite structure provides the rapid dissolution benefits of instant coffee while incorporating the preferred ground roast coffee components, thus satisfying consumer preferences for authentic coffee flavor and aroma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges instant coffee with ground roast coffee into a single integrated tablet composition. This combination allows the product to exhibit the fast dissolution characteristics of instant coffee while maintaining the desirable sensory properties of ground roast coffee, effectively combining the advantages of both forms.
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 structured coffee composition enables consistent coffee brewing results across different methods, faster disassociation in water, higher brew solids, and enhanced flavor, while maintaining product integrity and flexibility in serving sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a coating of one or more coffee extracts and one or more extracts from the roast and ground coffee particles on the outer surface of the ground roast coffee particles, wherein the one or more coffee extracts binds the plurality of roast and ground coffee particles together
Implementation Method 2
The structured coffee compositions may be used in one or more of automatic drip coffee makers, single serving coffee makers, percolating coffee makers, moka pot coffee makers, French press coffee makers, vacuum coffee makers, espresso coffee makers, thermal coffee makers, tea diffusers, pour over brewers or methods thereof, or coffee bar brewers or thermal or glass carafe, cold brew brewers
Data Source
AI summary
A structured coffee composition and to various items made using such coffee composition are provided. The structured coffee composition is suitable for use in one or more of automatic drip coffee makers, single serving coffee makers, percolating coffee makers, moka pot coffee makers, French press coffee makers, vacuum coffee makers, expresso coffee makers, thermal coffee makers, or any combination of two or more thereof.