Adjustable Brew Head Assembly for Multi-Size Pod Seating Consistency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The variance in size and shape of brew pods used in select brewing apparatuses can lead to incorrect seating, altering pressure within the brew cavity and affecting brewing parameters such as time, temperature, and taste, resulting in inconsistent quality of brewed products.

Innovation Solution

A brew head assembly with an adjustable assembly that includes a support member and brew head, allowing for adjustment of the height between the brew head and brew cup based on the dimensions of the brew pod to ensure proper seating and consistent brewing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed brew head assembly is used, then the device structure is simple, but the brewing parameters vary due to incorrect seating of different brew pod sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrewing parameter consistencyVSAvoidbrew head assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brew head assembly incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the brew head to move between multiple positions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different brew pod sizes and shapes, ensuring correct seating and consistent brewing parameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the brew head height is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different brew pod dimensions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different brew pod sizesVSAvoidbrew head assembly production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The brew head assembly is divided into separable components with an adjustment mechanism that allows height modification. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate various brew pod dimensions while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward, as each component can be produced independently and assembled with standard adjustment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the brew head is fixed in position, then the device is easier to operate, but the brewing quality varies with different pod dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrew quality consistencyVSAvoidbrew head adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable brew head assembly incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism that can be operated by the user through simple actions. The system provides visual or tactile indicators to guide the adjustment process, enabling users to achieve correct seating for different brew pod types without requiring complex procedures or specialized knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11284735B2Brew head assembly

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

A brew head assembly insertable within a brewing apparatus dimensioned to fit within a compartment in a galley of an aircraft may include an adjustable assembly and a brew cup. The adjustable assembly may include a brew head and a support member. The support member may define a first brew head cavity. The brew head may be at least partially inserted into the first brew head cavity. The adjustable assembly may be actuatable between an open position and at least one closed position. The brew cup may define a second brew head cavity. The brew head may be at least partially inserted into the second brew head cavity. A height between the brew head and the brew cup when the adjustable assembly is in the at least one closed position may be responsive to one or more parameters of a brew pod of a plurality of brew pods.