Coffee Filter-Holder Flow Adjustment for Consistent Brew Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee-making machines with filter-holders struggle to control and replicate the quality of coffee due to factors like compression, coffee quantity, grinding grade, and moisture content, and do not allow users to adjust the strength or style of coffee, such as espresso or American-style coffee.
Innovation Solution
A filter-holder with a pressure stabilizing valve and an adjustable regulating device that modifies the cross-section of the coffee outlet orifice, allowing users to adjust the infusion conditions for a more concentrated or diluted coffee by rotating a stem member with a knob, which modifies the flow rate through the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple connection pipe is used downstream from the filter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coffee quality control and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve with an adjustable shutter that modifies the cross-section of the coffee outlet lumen. By changing the geometric parameters of the outlet (cross-sectional area), the system enables control over coffee flow rate and infusion conditions, thereby improving coffee quality consistency without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If a valve with elastic member is added to compensate back-pressure, then the coffee quality control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic shutter element that can adjust the outlet cross-section in response to infusion conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the valve to adaptively control coffee flow and maintain quality consistency, while the integration of the shutter within the existing valve structure minimizes the increase in overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If no regulating device is provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different coffee styles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable shutter mechanism that allows users to modify the outlet cross-section according to desired coffee styles (e.g., espresso, American-style coffee). The adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-friendly, maintaining ease of operation while providing adaptability to different infusion requirements through simple user-adjustable parameters.
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 users to consistently produce coffee with desired strength and style by stabilizing back-pressure and adjusting the flow rate, improving the control over organoleptic characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
an element that closes the underside of the filter-holder cup and that is elastically compressed in said closed position so that it can open to enable the coffee to flow out when a given pressure is brought to bear thereon
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable shutter element for modifying the cross-section of the passage through said orifice
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter-holder (1) is described for use in coffee machines, comprising: a cup (17) in which a filter (21) containing the coffee is inserted; at least one delivery spout (13); and a valve (27) associated with the delivery spout for stabilising the infusion back-pressure. The filter-holder also comprises a regulating device (31) for adjusting the flow of coffee through the stabilising valve so as to preset the organoleptic characteristics of the resulting beverage.