Tea Latte Maker with Immersion Brewing and Fresh Milk Frothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated solutions for brewing tea latte lack the quality and consistency of manual methods, as they often use flow-through brewing, dried milk powder, instant tea, and are repurposed coffee makers, which do not accurately replicate the temperature and time requirements of traditional tea latte preparation.
Innovation Solution
An automated device specifically designed for tea latte preparation using immersion brewing with purpose-specific tea pods, featuring a programmable microprocessor for controlled brewing, a magnetically driven frothing mechanism for fresh milk, and induction heating, which allows for customizable recipes and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If flow-through brewing is used (as in current automated devices), then the brewing process is simplified and automated, but the quality and taste of tea latte deteriorates compared to immersion brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The device copies the manual immersion brewing process by submerging a mesh basket containing tea leaves and spices directly into hot water, replicating the traditional method's quality while maintaining automation through programmable timing and temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including programmable microprocessors for timing, temperature-controlled heating elements, and magnetic驱动 frothing mechanisms, achieving both automation and quality consistency
2Extent of automation
If repurposed coffee brewing devices are used, then automation is achieved, but the temperature and time requirements for tea latte cannot be properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates programmable parameters specifically calibrated for tea latte preparation, including temperature ranges (150-200°F for milk, variable for water) and timing sequences that differ from coffee brewing, allowing precise control optimized for tea extraction and milk frothing
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing process is segmented into distinct phases: water heating, milk heating, tea immersion brewing, and milk frothing, each with independently controlled temperature and time parameters, enabling precise optimization for tea latte specifics
3Ease of operation
If dried milk powder is used (as in current pod devices), then the preparation process is simplified, but the quality and freshness of the beverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable tea-spice pods containing fresh loose tea leaves and spices that are discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning while maintaining high quality through fresh ingredients, contrasting with reusable systems requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the entire process including pod insertion, water and milk dispensing, heating, brewing, frothing, and serving, requiring minimal user intervention beyond adding ingredients and pressing start, thereby maintaining simplicity without compromising quality
4Productivity
If instant tea is used (as in current pod devices), then the brewing process is simplified, but the taste and quality of tea latte deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device copies the traditional method of brewing with fresh loose tea leaves by providing a mesh basket that accommodates whole leaves and spices, allowing proper extraction and blooming that instant tea cannot achieve, while maintaining automation through controlled water flow and timing
Solution Approach 2:
The tea leaves and spices are pre-packaged in convenient pods ready for insertion, but the actual brewing uses fresh loose leaves that bloom and extract properly in hot water, combining the convenience of pre-preparation with the quality of fresh ingredients
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 device consistently produces high-quality tea latte with fresh tea and milk, reducing effort in preparation and maintenance while ensuring easy cleaning and optimal brewing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a single tubular induction heater adjacent to the boiler heats the water and the milk in accordance with at least one preparation parameter
Implementation Method 2
A magnet activated frothing wheel is mounted to the body for frothing of milk
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a removable first container for water for positioning on the body, a boiler within the body receives water from the first container, a heater adjacent to the boiler heats the water in accordance with at least one preparation parameter. The apparatus further includes a removable second container that is a combination milk carafe and boiler for positioning on the body and a separate heater adjacent to the milk carafe and boiler for heating the milk in accordance with at least one preparation parameter. A filter and a dispensing valve are controlled electronically. An interface and display for entering brewing parameters and a microcomputer for the controlling the apparatus.