Upward-Flow Extraction Cell for High-TDS Single-Pass Brewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing edible extracts often require high temperatures and multiple extractions, leading to the extraction of undesirable compounds and resulting in beverages with lower total dissolved solids (TDS) content, which affects flavor and aroma.

Innovation Solution

The use of an extraction cell with an upward flow filtration process that maintains the extraction medium at temperatures below 100°C and pressures up to 16 bar(g), allowing for a single pass extraction of coffee or tea, which increases the TDS content without over-extracting undesirable compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high temperatures are employed to increase the rate of extraction, then the TDS content is improved, but undesirable compounds are extracted which negatively affect beverage quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction rateVSAvoidundesirable compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the extraction conditions - specifically using elevated pressure (up to 16 bar(g)) combined with controlled temperature (below 100°C) to achieve high TDS extraction without extracting undesirable compounds. This pressure-temperature parameter combination resolves the contradiction by enabling fast extraction rates while avoiding the harmful effects of high temperature alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low temperatures are used for extraction, then undesirable compounds are avoided, but the TDS content decreases resulting in weak flavor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveundesirable compoundsVSAvoidTDS content

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles by using pressurized extraction medium (up to 16 bar(g)) to force the solvent through the plant material at controlled temperatures. The pressure differential drives the extraction process, enabling high TDS content to be achieved without relying on high temperatures, thus avoiding undesirable compound extraction while maintaining strong flavor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If multiple rounds of extraction are performed to increase yield, then the TDS content is improved, but the process complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction yieldVSAvoidextraction process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous useful action by using a single-pass extraction process with pressurized flow through the plant material. The extraction medium continuously flows through the material under pressure, maximizing extraction efficiency in one pass without requiring multiple sequential extractions. This continuous process achieves high yield while simplifying the overall extraction system and reducing process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If multiple rounds of extraction are performed to increase yield, then the TDS content is improved, but the time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction yieldVSAvoidextraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly forcing the extraction medium through the plant material using pressure (up to 16 bar(g)). This high-velocity pressurized flow allows the extraction process to complete in a single pass without requiring multiple slow extractions, thus achieving high yield while minimizing the time required for the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 method produces high TDS extracts with a stronger flavor and higher yield, reducing acidity and improving the overall taste, suitable for various beverage preparations without the need for multiple extractions or high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

extracting the desirable components from the plant matter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

The filter may have a mean aperture diameter ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11154157B2Extraction cell

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 STARBUCKS CORPORATION

AI summary

An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.