Multi-Portion Coffee Cartridge Metering for Aroma Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coffee makers face issues with aroma loss in low consumption scenarios due to prolonged storage of coffee beans, and capsule machines generate excessive packaging waste with frequent capsule changes, lacking a solution for average consumption needs.

Innovation Solution

A disposable cartridge filled with compressed ground coffee bean powder, designed to provide multiple brewing cycles, is used in conjunction with a preparation device where heated water is pressed through the powder, with a filter retaining the grounds, allowing for adjustable powder portion sizes and reduced waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If coffee beans are stored in a coffee bean container for low consumption periods, then refilling frequency is reduced, but aroma is lost due to prolonged storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling frequencyVSAvoidaroma loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coffee supply is segmented into individual single-serving capsules, each hermetically sealed. This allows coffee to be stored in small portions rather than bulk quantities, maintaining aroma freshness while reducing refilling frequency. Each capsule contains a pre-measured amount of coffee that remains protected until use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Coffee is pre-portioned and hermetically sealed in capsules before use. This preliminary packaging action protects the coffee from oxidation and aroma loss during storage, eliminating the need for prolonged bulk storage while maintaining freshness until the moment of brewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If disposable capsules are used for every brewing process in capsule machines, then aroma is protected and blend changes are easy, but packaging waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearoma protectionVSAvoidpackaging waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coffee supply is divided into individual single-serving capsules, each hermetically sealed. This allows coffee to be stored in small portions rather than bulk quantities, maintaining aroma freshness while reducing refilling frequency. Each capsule contains a pre-measured amount of coffee that remains protected until use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses disposable capsules that are discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance of complex brewing mechanisms. While this generates some packaging waste, it simplifies the device structure and eliminates waste from cleaning supplies and maintenance components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Loss of time

If fully automatic coffee makers with grinders and storage containers are used, then refilling is infrequent and cost-efficient, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling frequencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding function and large storage container are extracted from the brewing device itself. Instead, pre-ground coffee is supplied in hermetically sealed capsules that are inserted directly into the brewing mechanism. This extraction simplifies the device structure while maintaining infrequent refilling needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution maintains coffee aroma for a longer period, reduces refilling frequency, minimizes packaging waste, and allows for easy blend changes while maintaining a robust and simple device design, suitable for average consumption scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

hot water flows through a coffee bean powder portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtraction: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Implementation Method 2

the coffee powder is retained by means of a screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

A disposable cartridge filled with compressed ground coffee bean powder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9241499B2Method and device for producing a coffee preparation

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 EUGSTER FRISMAG AG

AI summary

A method for the automated production of a coffee preparation with a coffee preparation device (1) having a brewing unit, the method including the following steps: insertion of a pre-filled cartridge (3) with a powder supply (4) having a plurality of, preferably compressed, powder portions (11) of ground coffee beans into a cartridge receptacle (2) of a preparation device (1); automatic or at least partially manual metering of a powder portion (11) from the powder supply (4), wherein the entire powder supply (4) is moved for this purpose, preferably displaced axially, with the assistance of metering unit (10), and then the powder portion (11) is separated from the powder supply (4); transfer of the powder portion (11) to a brewing unit of a preparation device (16); automatic preparation of the coffee in the brewing unit, using the powder portion (11) and a heated, potable fluid flowing through the powder portion in the brewing unit, more particularly under pressure; closure of the cartridge (3) in the cartridge outlet opening area (5) of the preparation device.