Beaded Teabag Holder for Adjustable Immersion Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tea drinkers face challenges in controlling the immersion depth of teabags during steeping and removing spent teabags without utensils, especially for bagged teas without strings, which can lead to scalding and increased effort.
Innovation Solution
A reusable teabag holder with a clamping member and a beaded strand that allows adjustable immersion depth, using a clamping member to grasp the teabag and a weighting member with a beaded strand that folds over the vessel lip to provide detent positions for stable teabag suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stringed tea filter bag is used to control immersion depth by wrapping around cup handle or pinching against lip, then immersion depth can be set to some degree, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A chain with connector acts as an intermediary between the teabag and the cup lip, providing predetermined immersion depth positions without requiring manual manipulation of strings or pinching mechanisms. The chain's rigid structure with flexible links allows it to naturally position itself at specific depths when draped over the cup rim.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector system provides dynamic adjustability where the teabag can be positioned at different predetermined depths by selecting different connector locations along the chain. This allows the immersion depth to be dynamically changed between uses without modifying the chain structure itself.
2Ease of manufacture
If bagged teas without connecting strings are used, then packaging is simpler, but the ability to set immersion depth is lost and removal requires additional utensils
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector is merged with the teabag packaging, combining the function of the chain (which provides depth control and retrieval) with the teabag itself. This integration allows unstrung teabags to gain immersion depth control capabilities without complicating the basic packaging structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector serves multiple functions: it provides immersion depth control, acts as a retrieval mechanism for easy teabag removal, and can be used with both stringed and unstrung teabags. This multi-functionality addresses multiple user needs with a single component.
3Ease of operation
If teabag removal is done with spoon or table utensil, then removal is possible, but the ease of operation deteriorates and risk of scalding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain acts as an intermediary tool specifically designed for teabag retrieval, allowing users to grasp and remove the teabag without using spoons or other table utensils that may inadvertently contact hot liquid. The chain provides a dedicated, safe interface for interaction with the hot teabag.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector enables self-service retrieval where the teabag's own attached chain is used as the retrieval mechanism, eliminating the need to borrow or use unrelated utensils. The system is self-contained with the retrieval function built into the teabag assembly itself.
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 adjustable and controlled teabag immersion depth and simplified removal without utensils, ensuring safety and ease of use while withstanding boiling temperatures and being suitable for cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a strand of beads having a first end coupled to the clamping member and a second end, opposite the first end, coupled to the weighting member
Implementation Method 2
the strand of beads is configured to fold over a lip of the vessel to provide at least a first detent position for supporting the tea filter bag
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for steeping tea in a vessel, has a clamping member that is configured to releasably grasp an edge of a tea filter bag and a weighting member weighing more than the clamping member. A strand of beads has a first end coupled to the clamping member and a second end, opposite the first end, coupled to the weighting member. The strand of beads has a number of beads joined to each other by a metal linkage, wherein the strand of beads is configured to fold over a lip of the vessel to provide at least a first detent position for supporting the tea filter bag at a first immersion distance from the fold lip, and a second detent position for supporting the tea filter bag at a second immersion distance from the fold lip.