Brewing Packet with Integrated Filter and Biodegradable Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage brewing methods lack efficient and convenient solutions for flavor extraction and preservation, particularly in maintaining flavor freshness and preventing degradation during the brewing process.

Innovation Solution

A brewing apparatus comprising a packet with a filter and films made from biodegradable, bio-based materials, which includes a machine-readable identification item and a valve to control fluid flow, ensuring flavor preservation and easy extraction, and can be used with various flavor sources and brewing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional brewing methods are used, then flavor extraction is achieved, but flavor freshness deteriorates and degradation occurs during the brewing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor freshnessVSAvoidflavor preservation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flavor source is pre-packaged in a sealed container with a filter integrated inside, creating a ready-to-use brewing packet that maintains flavor freshness until the moment of brewing. This preliminary preparation eliminates exposure to air and contaminants before use, resolving the contradiction between achieving flavor extraction and maintaining flavor freshness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a filter is added to the brewing apparatus, then flavor extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor extraction efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is merged with the container structure to form an integrated brewing packet. The filter becomes an integral part of the flavor source packaging, eliminating the need for separate filter components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining efficient flavor extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container serves multiple functions: it holds the flavor source, provides structural support, and works in conjunction with the integrated filter to enable brewing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable materials are used for the container and filter, then environmental sustainability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidmaterial processing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing packet utilizes composite material construction, combining biodegradable materials for the container with a filter medium that is also environmentally friendly. This composite approach maintains manufacturability while achieving environmental sustainability, resolving the contradiction between eco-friendliness and manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 apparatus effectively extracts flavors while maintaining freshness and convenience, allowing for controlled brewing parameters and easy beverage dispensing, with the biodegradable materials ensuring environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

a filter that is configured to retain an amount of flavor source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The valve may be configured to permit fluid to escape from the pod... Water may be prevented from passing through the valve under brewing conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The film may be biodegradable... made from biodegradable, bio-based materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS20230294912A1Beverage brewing

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 STACK STREET COFFEE LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus for brewing coffee are provided. The apparatus may include a first film and a second film. A filter may be disposed between the first film and the second film. The filter may retain an amount of material. The first and second film may be flexible. The first film may be pierced by a brewing needle. The second film may be pierced by a drain needle. The second film may be sealed to the first film along a perimeter defined by the first film. The first film may have a flat configuration. The second film may have a concave surface that faces the first film. The filter may define an annular material holding region. The filter may define a drainage region that is coaxial with the filter. The filter may form a layer parallel to and supported by the first film in an area of the first film that overlies the drainage region.