Brewing Cartridge Adapter for Horizontal K-Cup Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of single serving horizontal coffee makers are unable to use either disposable or reusable cartridges designed for vertical coffee makers, such as K-CUP, due to incompatibility issues with the existing coffee makers, forcing them to use more expensive horizontal cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A brewing cartridge adapter that fits into single serving horizontal coffee makers, featuring a fixed extraction needle and guiding walls to accommodate both disposable and reusable cartridges from vertical coffee makers, allowing the use of K-CUP cartridges and enabling the use of pre-packaged brewing material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal coffee maker is designed with parallel injection and extraction needles that penetrate a foil cover, then the coffee maker can process horizontal brewing cartridges, but it cannot accommodate vertical brewing cartridges like K-CUP, reducing cartridge selection and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the horizontal coffee maker and vertical K-CUP cartridges. The adapter includes a receiving chamber that accepts vertical cartridges, positioning guides that orient the cartridge correctly, and flow channels that redirect brewed liquid away from the extraction needle. This intermediary device enables compatibility without modifying the coffee maker's fundamental horizontal brewing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing system is segmented into three distinct components: the horizontal coffee maker, the adapter, and the vertical cartridge. The adapter acts as a separate module that bridges the incompatibility between the horizontal maker and vertical cartridges, allowing each component to maintain its original design while achieving overall compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reusable cartridges are designed with permanent openings for injection needles and passages for beverage flow, then they work well in vertical coffee makers, but they cannot be used in horizontal coffee makers without an adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that enables reusable cartridges designed for vertical makers to function in horizontal makers. The adapter's receiving chamber accommodates the cartridge's permanent openings and internal passages, while its positioning features ensure proper orientation relative to the horizontal maker's needles and flow paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If disposable brewing cartridges are designed with a base that is punctured by an extraction needle, then brewed beverage can be released, but horizontal coffee makers with parallel needles cannot process vertical cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter mediates between the horizontal maker's parallel needle configuration and the vertical cartridge's base puncture design. The adapter positions the cartridge so that the extraction needle can reliably puncture the base, while flow channels ensure brewed liquid is directed away from the needle path.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter creates a localized brewing environment within its receiving chamber that mimics the vertical brewing conditions. Inside the adapter, the cartridge experiences vertical orientation and localized pressure differentials that ensure reliable extraction, while the overall system remains horizontally configured.
Data Source
AI summary
A single serving brewing cartridge adapter fits into known single serving horizontal coffee makers and allows use of a common single serving cartridge made for a vertical coffee maker. The cartridge adapter includes a fixed extraction needle in the base of cartridge adapter and defines walls rising from the base to guide a cartridge into position. The extraction needle pierces a single use cartridge to release brewed beverage into the cartridge adapter. An injection needle in the horizontal coffee maker lid punctures a foil cover of single use cartridges and passes through a permanent opening in a lid of the cartridge adapter and an extraction needle in the horizontal coffee maker cooperates with the cartridge adapter to carry brewed drink from the cartridge adapter. Reusable cartridges including permanent openings to receive the injection needle and to release brewed beverage may also be used with the cartridge adapter.