Reusable Coffee Filter Container for Fresh Whole-Bean Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee making appliances either require pre-ground coffee or whole beans to be ground within the machine, which may not preserve the freshness of coffee and lack convenience in using whole beans in a single-serving format.
Innovation Solution
A coffee brewing system that includes a specialized reusable and pre-packaged coffee container with a built-in filter and grinding mechanism, allowing whole roasted coffee beans to be ground immediately before brewing, ensuring freshness and convenience through a disposable, single-serving package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If whole coffee beans are stored in a single-serving container, then coffee freshness is improved by grinding immediately before brewing, but the device complexity increases due to the need for an integrated grinding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grinding mechanism and filter element into a single integrated container assembly. The grinding blade is positioned within the container to directly grind whole coffee beans above the filter element, eliminating the need for separate grinding and brewing devices. This merging allows whole beans to be ground immediately before brewing while maintaining a compact, single-serving system.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: a upper chamber for holding whole coffee beans, a grinding area with a rotating blade, and a lower chamber with a filter element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system integration. The filter element is positioned to receive ground coffee directly from the grinding area.
2Ease of operation
If a reusable container with grinding mechanism is used, then coffee brewing convenience is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates a filter element with specific local properties - a porous structure with controlled aperture sizes positioned at the bottom of the container. This local quality enhancement allows the filter to effectively separate ground coffee from brewed coffee while maintaining a simple overall container design. The filter element can be manufactured separately and attached to the container, simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-assembled with the filter element and grinding blade in the correct positions before use. Whole coffee beans are pre-loaded into the container, and the grinding mechanism is pre-positioned to ensure proper alignment. This preliminary preparation simplifies the brewing operation, as the user only needs to add water and activate the brewing process.
3Productivity
If the filter element is positioned above the floor with apertures, then brewing efficiency is improved by direct water flow through ground coffee, but coffee grounds may escape through the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is constructed as a porous material with a controlled aperture structure that allows water and brewed coffee to pass through while retaining coffee grounds. The porous structure provides multiple flow paths for the brewed coffee, increasing brewing efficiency by allowing rapid water flow through the ground coffee bed without sacrificing filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element design incorporates a replicated pore pattern that creates consistent flow channels across the entire filter surface. This copied structure ensures uniform water distribution and flow rate across the coffee bed, improving brewing efficiency while maintaining reliable grounds retention through the replicated pore architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a reusable filter container (900) for use with a beverage brewing appliance, comprising a cup-shaped body (902) having a floor, a circumferential wall, and a top opening; a filter element (904) positioned above the floor. Said container further comprises at least one aperture formed in the floor and a cover (908) releasably attached to the cup body and covering the top opening.