Beverage Brewing Cartridge With Removable Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Espresso drinkers face limited selection and higher costs when using pre-packaged brewing cartridges, which restricts their choice of ground coffee and increases the cost per beverage compared to freshly brewed options.
Innovation Solution
A beverage brewing cartridge design featuring a cartridge base, plug, and cover that allows for the insertion of selected brewing material, which can be sealed and tampered within a holder, and includes weakened areas in the plug to allow pressurized liquid to enter and brewed beverage to flow, enabling flexible brewing with customizable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-packaged brewing cartridges are used, then convenience is improved, but selection of brewing material is limited and cost per beverage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge system is divided into a reusable cartridge base and separable brewing material, allowing users to refill the base with different coffee varieties while maintaining the convenient cartridge format. This segmentation enables both convenience and material selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge base is pre-manufactured with the brewing chamber, filter, and sealing mechanisms already in place, so users only need to add the brewing material. This preliminary preparation maintains the ease of use while allowing material customization.
2Ease of operation
If pre-packaged brewing cartridges are used, then convenience is improved, but cost per beverage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the expensive reusable cartridge base from the consumable brewing material, users can refill only the material portion, significantly reducing the cost per beverage while retaining the convenience of the pre-assembled cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing material is discarded after use while the cartridge base is recovered and reused. This approach eliminates the need to discard the entire cartridge assembly, reducing waste and cost per beverage.
3Quantity of substance
If a reusable cartridge base is used, then cost per beverage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge base is designed as a universal component that can hold different brewing materials and is compatible with standard espresso machines. This multi-functionality justifies the slightly increased complexity by providing long-term cost savings and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge base is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by the user without specialized tools or complex procedures. The self-service capability minimizes the practical complexity despite the reusable design.
4Productivity
If plug weakened areas are designed to open under pressure, then beverage flow is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug material properties are modified through controlled weakening at specific locations, creating areas that remain stable under normal conditions but open reliably under brewing pressure. This parameter change approach balances beverage flow requirements with manageable manufacturing precision.
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 cartridge system provides flexibility in selecting brewing materials and reduces costs by allowing users to prepare beverages with freshly chosen coffee, offering a cost-effective and customizable brewing solution while maintaining the convenience of pre-packaged options.
Implementation Method 1
The cover is configured to be breached to allow pressurized liquid to enter the beverage brewing cartridge to brew a beverage
Implementation Method 2
The plug includes weakened areas configured to open after the pressurized liquid enters the beverage brewing cartridge to allow the brewed beverage to flow from the beverage brewing cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage brewing cartridge includes a base including a sidewall having first and second open ends and a cover sealed to a rim of the first open end, and a plug configured to be inserted into the second open end. The cartridge is configured to hold beverage brewing material when the plug is inserted. The cover is configured to be breached to allow pressurized liquid to enter the cartridge to brew a beverage. The plug includes weakened areas configured to open after the pressurized liquid enters the cartridge to allow the beverage to flow from the cartridge. A method of constructing the cartridge includes placing the base in a holder, inserting a portion of brewing material into the base through the second open sidewall end, tamping the brewing material in the base through the second open sidewall end, and inserting the plug into the second open sidewall end.