Apparatus for brewing infusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion devices are not suitable for nomadic use due to their size and the risk of stains in confined environments, such as car interiors, boats, or tents, and they are not easy to use in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact infusion apparatus with an elongated body and reversible structure that allows for easy filling and infusion, featuring a hydraulic connection between the infusion chamber and pressurization means that is established by fixing the infusion part under the reservoir, ensuring efficient use and minimizing spill risks, with a design that includes an annular conduit for homogeneous liquid injection and a removable infusion chamber for interchangeable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is designed with a horizontal body positioning for infusion preparation, then the infusion quality can be maintained, but the device size increases and becomes unsuitable for confined environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal body positioning to a vertical configuration. The body is now oriented vertically with the reservoir at the top and the infusion part at the bottom, allowing gravity to assist liquid flow while reducing the device's horizontal footprint to make it suitable for confined environments like car interiors, boats, and tents.
2Device complexity
If the filling orifice is positioned close to the infusion part, then the device structure is simplified, but the risk of stains and spills increases for the user and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the filling orifice from the infusion part both spatially and functionally. The filling orifice is positioned at the top of the vertically oriented reservoir, far from the infusion part at the bottom. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension allows users to fill the reservoir without risk of spills affecting the infusion mechanism or surrounding environment.
3Ease of operation
If the infusion part is detached from the body, then filling access is improved, but the hydraulic connection between the infusion chamber and pressurization means is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separable components: the infusion part can be detached from the body for easy filling and cleaning access. The segmentation is designed so that the infusion chamber remains connected to the pressurization means through dedicated hydraulic pathways that are re-established when the infusion part is reattached, ensuring reliable operation when needed.
4Volume of moving object
If the device is designed for nomadic use with compact dimensions, then portability is improved, but the available space for proper filling and operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, multi-position design where the infusion part can be detached and repositioned. During filling operations, the infusion part can be removed to provide adequate access space. During infusion operations, the compact vertical configuration is used. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt between compact storage and operational states with sufficient working space.
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 facilitates use in any environment, ensuring high-quality infusions by allowing easy filling and operation in confined spaces while preventing spills and optimizing water usage, with a compact design that fits various power sources and maintains constant pressure for consistent infusion quality.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizing means (20) arranged in said body (10)
Implementation Method 2
optionally a heating system and a suitable electric power supply
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An infusion preparation apparatus (1) comprising a body (10) elongated along a principal axis (X), the body (10) comprising a reservoir (30) and a pressurization means (20), the apparatus comprising an infusion portion (40) including an infusion chamber (41), the infusion chamber (41) being configured to hold a dose of product (60). The apparatus has two operating positions: a filling position in which the principal axis (X) is vertical, and a filling orifice of the reservoir (30) is upwards, the infusion portion being positioned away from said orifice so as to allow the reservoir to be filled; and an infusion position in which the principal axis (X) is vertical and the infusion portion (40), fixed to the body, is located below the reservoir, closes the filling orifice of the reservoir (30), and allows, in this position, the preparation of an infusion flowing through an outlet orifice (52).