Adapter device for a filter holder element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines are limited to using either standard doses of ground bulk coffee or specific filter paper coffee pods, lacking flexibility to accommodate various types of disposable coffee packages, and require waiting for the filter holder to heat up before switching between them.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device with a hollow main cup-shaped element, elastic elements, and a check valve system that allows for the use of both ground coffee and filter paper coffee pods, enhancing infusion time and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the filter holder element is designed to accommodate only standard ground coffee or specific coffee pods, then the machine structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different coffee formats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device acts as an intermediary component between the filter holder element and different coffee formats (ground coffee, ESE pods, other disposable packages). The adapter includes a cup-shaped element that receives various coffee types, filter elements that work with different formats, and sealing components that ensure proper sealing regardless of coffee type used
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple coffee formats through a single device. The cup-shaped element can receive ground coffee, ESE 44 pods, and other disposable packages. The filter elements and sealing rings are configured to work with various coffee types, allowing one adapter to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate devices for each coffee format
2Reliability
If the filter holder cup is heated in advance for coffee pods, then the extraction process is optimized, but the waiting time before switching between coffee types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the permanent filter holder element and the removable adapter device. The adapter can be quickly removed and replaced without heating the entire filter holder. This segmentation allows the adapter to be prepared independently while the main filter holder remains ready for use, enabling rapid switching between coffee types without compromising extraction quality
3Ease of operation
If the filter holder element is designed for a single coffee format, then the manufacturing precision can be optimized, but the ease of operation for different coffee types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that maintains the precise fit required for specific coffee pods while allowing flexibility in the filter holder design. The adapter's cup-shaped element and sealing components are precision-engineered to work with various pod formats, while the filter holder itself can be manufactured with standardized dimensions. This intermediary approach preserves manufacturing precision for pod compatibility without compromising ease of operation
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
Enables flexible use of different coffee formats without heating delays and facilitates easy cleaning, improving the coffee extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve V (preferably with a 3/4 bar setting) essentially comprises a pawl 8, a spring 9 and a terminal element. This valve V, in use, is designed to fit into the spout Z of the filter holder element PF and has the purpose of increasing the infusion time of the coffee pod so as to improve the extraction process
Implementation Method 2
a first elastic element or spring 2 filter element (in use in contact with the bottom surface of a coffee pod) superimposed on and coupled with second filter element 3, a third element (O-ring) 4, a cup-shaped element 5 with a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape, and a sealing ring gasket 6
Implementation Method 3
a sealing ring gasket 6 cooperating with the element 5 when inserted in the main element 1
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An adapter device (D) for a filter holder element (PF) of a machine for the production by extraction of a hot liquid coffee-based beverage comprises a hollow main cup-shaped element (1), said main element (1) carrying, arranged and mounted within it, in adjacent layers and in sequence: a first elastic element (2), said first element (2) being superimposed and coupled to a second filtering element (3), said second element (3) being superimposed to a third sealing element (4), said third element (4) being arranged in a cup-shaped element (5), said cup-shaped element (5) being able to be coupled and to cooperate with a gasket (6), and having in its lower part a hollow cylindrical appendix (7), within which a check valve (V) is inserted.