Coffee Maker Front-Fill Water Reservoir with Steam Recapture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic drip coffee makers often require users to maneuver the unit forward to access the water reservoir, leading to increased complexity and heat loss due to uncontrolled steam condensation during brewing.
Innovation Solution
The coffee maker features a front-mounted water tank fill port and a redesigned shower head that captures steam and directs it back into the water reservoir, eliminating the need for forward movement and optimizing component distances for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate rear access opening is provided for the water reservoir, then filling is simplified, but the overall device width and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover serves multiple functions: it provides access to the brew basket and simultaneously provides access to the water reservoir through a front opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated openings for each component.
2Ease of manufacture
If the shower head is positioned far from the heater outlet, then assembly is simplified, but heat loss increases during brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between the heater outlet and shower head is optimized to a specific range that balances heat retention with assembly considerations. This parameter optimization ensures minimal heat loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Device complexity
If steam is allowed to escape during brewing, then pressure control is simplified, but heat and moisture are lost to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The shower head includes a steam redirect feature that captures steam escaping during brewing and redirects it back into the water reservoir. This converts the harmful steam loss into a beneficial recycling process, reducing heat and moisture loss to the environment.
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 design enhances usability by allowing frontal access to the water reservoir and brew basket, reduces heat loss, and minimizes steam loss, resulting in improved operational efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an improved shower head design for returning steam generated during the brewing process back to the water reservoir for condensation
Implementation Method 2
a heating element for heating the water housed within the water reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee maker having a water reservoir, a brew head assembly positioned in front of the water reservoir including a shower head member, a pivotally movable brew basket, and a water reservoir fill port located in front of the coffee maker within the brew head assembly, the water reservoir fill port being in direct communication with the water reservoir such that water can be poured directly into the water reservoir fill port over the top of the shower head member and brew basket to fill the water reservoir. The shower head member includes a first flow channel for delivering heated water to the brew basket and at least one second flow channel having at least one opening associated therewith for allowing steam generated within the brew basket to be channeled back to the water reservoir. A separate compartment for holding and storing a measuring spoon is also provided.