Portable beverage press mug and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable beverage press mugs allow coffee grounds to remain exposed to water, leading to oversteeping and bitterness, as the plunger assembly filters but does not effectively separate the grounds from the liquid during consumption.
Innovation Solution
A portable beverage press mug with a press head assembly featuring a seal member, screen, and flap valve that moves to trap solid particles at the bottom, preventing further infusion and oversteeping by creating a gap to allow liquid passage while keeping grounds separate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plunger assembly is used to filter coffee grounds, then the beverage can be consumed, but the grounds remain exposed to water causing oversteeping and bitterness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (coffee grounds) from the beverage system by implementing a separation mechanism. The press head assembly with screen and valve arrangement physically separates the grounds from the liquid, removing the source of oversteeping and bitterness while allowing the beverage to be consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic valve arrangement that changes state based on pressure. The valve opens to allow liquid passage when pressure is applied during pressing, then closes to prevent grounds from remaining in contact with liquid. This dynamic behavior enables automatic separation of grounds from beverage based on operational phase.
2Quantity of substance
If the press head assembly filters coffee grounds through a screen, then liquid can pass through, but the grounds may remain in contact with liquid causing oversteeping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve arrangement as an intermediary element between the screen and the beverage flow path. This intermediary component controls and regulates the passage of liquid while preventing grounds from following, acting as a mediator that separates the liquid flow from the grounds retention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the filtering function into two distinct components: the screen handles initial filtration and the valve arrangement handles final separation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the screen filters bulk grounds while the valve provides precise control over liquid passage and grounds separation.
3Reliability
If a seal member is added to engage the interior surface, then sealing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a seal member made from flexible material that can conform to the interior surface of the vessel. This flexible sealing element provides reliable sealing contact while maintaining simplicity in the overall press head assembly design, avoiding the need for complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
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
Prevents oversteeping and bitterness by effectively separating coffee grounds from the liquid, resulting in better-tasting beverages and applicable for various infused drinks like tea or cocoa.
Implementation Method 1
A seal member is along the perimeter edge of the frame and is sized to engage against, or wipe, the interior surface of the surrounding wall
Implementation Method 2
A valve arrangement covers the screen and is movable in response to fluid pressure to create a gap between the valve arrangement and the frame and permit fluid to pass through the screen and the gap
Data Source
AI summary
A portable beverage press mug is includes a vessel and a press head assembly. The press head assembly includes a screen (or filter) and a valve arrangement covering the screen. The valve arrangement is movable in response to fluid pressure to create a gap between the valve arrangement and the frame and permit fluid to pass through the screen and the gap.