Coffee Filter Holder Drip-Stop Valve for Standard Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter holders with drip-stop valves require a double-walled construction and special adaptations for the filter holder support bracket, limiting their compatibility with standard coffee makers.
Innovation Solution
A filter holder with a substantially flat bottom and a drip-stop valve assembly, featuring a valve member carrier and an actuator lever made of sheet material, allowing for easy placement on a standard filter holder support bracket without additional provisions, and eliminating the need for a double-walled construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a double-walled construction is used to provide a support ridge for stable placing, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ridge function is extracted from the double-walled construction and integrated into the single bottom wall design. The bottom wall includes a support ridge that protrudes into the interior space, providing stable placement on the filter holder support bracket without requiring a separate outer wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ridge and bottom wall are merged into a single integrated structure. The bottom wall includes a support ridge that combines the functions of structural support and stable placement on the bracket, eliminating the need for separate walls.
2Reliability
If an outer wall is added to carry the actuator knob, then the drip-stop valve function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator lever is integrated directly into the bottom wall structure through slideable connection. The actuator lever includes a first flat part extending from the bottom wall to receive manual actuation, combining the actuation mechanism with the bottom wall rather than requiring a separate outer wall carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, includes the support ridge for stable placement, and integrates the actuator lever mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components.
3Reliability
If a double-walled construction is used, then the actuator knob can be mounted, but adaptability to existing coffee makers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator lever mechanism is extracted from the double-walled construction and integrated into the single bottom wall. The actuator lever slideably connects to the bottom wall, allowing mounting on standard filter holder support brackets without requiring the specialized double-walled structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If sheet material is used for the actuator lever, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator lever is made from sheet material that provides sufficient flexibility for slideable connection and manual actuation while maintaining adequate strength. The sheet material can be formed into the required shape and provides the necessary mechanical properties for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator lever is designed as a dynamic component that slideably connects to the bottom wall, allowing movement between positions. The sheet material provides the necessary flexibility for this dynamic operation while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Enables seamless integration with existing coffee makers, providing a stable and adaptable drip-stop function without requiring modifications to the support bracket, ensuring proper positioning and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member carrier consisting of a blade spring that has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the valve member carrier being connected to the bottom wall adjacent its first end and carrying the valve member adjacent its second end
Implementation Method 2
an actuator lever slideably connected to the bottom wall and being in engagement with the valve member carrier and configured to bring valve member from the opened position to the closed position and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee filter holder includes a funnel wall, a substantially flat bottom wall having an outer edge and a coffee brew outlet, a drip-stop valve assembly that can be brought in an opened and a closed condition. The drip-stop valve assembly includes a valve member mounted on a blade spring connected to the bottom wall, and an actuator lever slideably connected to the bottom wall. The actuator lever includes an integral piece of sheet material with a first end that extends beyond the outer edge of the bottom wall so as to be engageable by hand and having a second end positioned under the substantially flat bottom wall to engage the valve member carrier to bring valve member from the opened position to the closed position and vice versa.