Vacuum Infusion Brewer Inlet Layout to Prevent Liquid Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum-type infusion brewing devices face limitations due to substantial liquid aspiration issues, leading to increased complexity and cost in liquid evacuation systems, as existing solutions have not adequately addressed the problem of liquid accumulation and aspiration.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a vacuum tube with a re-entrant inlet end, positioned above the maximum liquid level and spaced from the wall of the vacuum chamber, reduces liquid aspiration by preventing droplets from accumulating and entering the vacuum conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum pump is used to create vacuum in the vacuum chamber, then the piston and its moving parts can be eliminated and volume flexibility is improved, but substantial liquid is aspired by the vacuum pump leading to increased device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (liquid aspiration problem) is extracted and isolated by positioning the vacuum inlet away from the wall where liquid accumulates. The vacuum inlet is placed in a region where gas can be evacuated without drawing in liquid droplets, thus separating the useful vacuum function from the harmful liquid aspiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum inlet acts as an intermediary element positioned strategically within the vacuum chamber. By locating it above the maximum liquid level and spaced from the wall, it mediates between the vacuum pump and the chamber environment, allowing gas removal while preventing liquid entry into the pump circuit.
2Device complexity
If the vacuum inlet is positioned close to the wall of the vacuum chamber, then the device structure is simplified, but liquid droplets accumulate and are aspired by the vacuum pump
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum inlet is positioned in a specific local region of the vacuum chamber where the quality of the environment is different - above the maximum liquid level and away from the wall where liquid accumulates. This local positioning ensures that the inlet encounters mostly gas rather than liquid, preventing aspiration while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a complex liquid evacuation system is added to handle aspired liquid, then liquid aspiration is reduced, but the overall cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of liquid aspiration is prevented in advance by proper positioning of the vacuum inlet before liquid can accumulate and be drawn in. The inlet is placed above the maximum liquid level and spaced from the wall, creating a preventive configuration that stops liquid aspiration before it occurs, eliminating the need for corrective liquid evacuation systems.
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 design significantly reduces the need for complex liquid evacuation systems, lowering the overall cost and making the brewing device more commercially viable by minimizing liquid aspiration.
Implementation Method 1
an outlet connected to a vacuum source operable to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening
Implementation Method 2
reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening
Data Source
AI summary
The infusion brewing device has a steeping area configured and adapted to receive a filter, particulate steeping material and hot liquid water for steeping the particulate steeping material into an infusion. A vacuum chamber is positioned below the steeping area. The vacuum chamber has a hermetic wall, a closable lower outlet, and an upper opening leading to the steeping area. An inlet of a vacuum conduit is positioned in the vacuum chamber, above a maximum liquid level of the vacuum chamber and whereas an outlet thereof is connected to a vacuum source. The inlet is spaced from the wall by an inlet spacing distance. The vacuum source is operable to reduce the pressure in the vacuum chamber in a manner to draw the infusion through the filter and upper opening.