Closed Loop Filter Infusion Brewer to Reduce Manual Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic filter-based infusion brewers require frequent manual intervention for maintenance, as the size of filter paper rolls and coffee grind waste containers limits the number of brewable portions before manual intervention is needed.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop filter configuration in an infusion brewer that cycles a reusable filter along its length to separate used particulate matter from the brewing area, assisted by a vacuum, and incorporates chicane portions and cleaning mechanisms to automate the brewing process and reduce maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a roll of filter paper is used to brew multiple portions, then the number of brewable portions increases, but the frequency of manual intervention still increases due to filter replacement and waste container emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated filter cycling and waste ejection. The filter assembly automatically cycles between brewing and cleaning positions, and used grounds are automatically ejected into a waste container, eliminating the need for manual filter replacement and waste emptying during the brewing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic discarding of used filter material and coffee grounds. The filter assembly is cycled to a cleaning position where used grounds are shaken off and ejected into a waste container, while the filter is refreshed for the next brewing cycle, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention
2Productivity
If the filter and waste container size are increased to brew more portions, then productivity increases, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a brewing area with fresh filter material, a transition area, and a cleaning area where used grounds are shaken off. This segmentation allows the filter to be cycled through different positions for brewing and cleaning without requiring a large waste container
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is made dynamic through automated cycling between brewing and cleaning positions. A drive mechanism moves the filter assembly along a path that includes a brewing position over the brewing chamber and a cleaning position where used grounds are shaken off and ejected, enabling continuous operation with a compact design
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 closed loop filter configuration significantly reduces manual intervention by automating the brewing process, allowing for a larger number of brewable portions before maintenance is required, while effectively cleaning the filter to maintain efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber (24) is provided below the filter and has a filter support (26) surrounding an infusion aperture (28) at its upper portion
Implementation Method 2
The pressure can be lowered in the vacuum chamber using known techniques while, in this embodiment, the infusion chamber remains at atmospheric pressure. The lower pressure in the vacuum chamber (24) contributes to draw the infusion across the closed loop filter (12)
Implementation Method 3
a filter path (14) which has a closed loop configuration, travelling like a web around a plurality of rotary shafts (16)
Implementation Method 4
the brewer uses a vacuum to assist gravity in bringing the infused water across the filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The infusion brewer has a filter path forming a continuous loop around a plurality of rotary shafts, the plurality of rotary shafts being operable to cycle a continuous loop filter along the filter path, the filter path having a steeping area; and an infusion enclosure having a bottom opening positionable into an infusion position against the continuous loop filter at the steeping area.