Coffee Maker Filter Basket for Carafe-Free Single-Serve Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee makers that dispense into a carafe often create household messes when the carafe is not in place, and users desire the ability to dispense into a cup or mug instead, but existing technologies lack a user-friendly solution for single-serve coffee discharge without a carafe.
Innovation Solution
A coffee maker with a user-selectable mode that allows single-serve coffee discharge even when the carafe is not present, featuring a rotating selection dial and a pause valve actuator that transitions between carafe and single-serve modes, enabling coffee dispensing into any container, with optional electric motor operation for controlled valve management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coffee maker is designed to dispense only when a carafe is in place, then household mess is prevented, but users cannot dispense into a cup or mug when the carafe is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee maker employs a dynamic detection system that identifies whether a carafe or cup/mug is present on the base, and automatically adjusts the dispensing mode accordingly. The system transitions between carafe mode (full dispensing) and single-serve mode (interruptible dispensing) based on real-time detection of the container type, providing adaptability without requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coffee maker incorporates a feedback mechanism through the pause valve actuator that continuously monitors the presence and type of container on the base. This feedback information is used to control the pause valve, which interrupts coffee flow when a cup or mug is detected, thereby preventing overflow and mess while enabling single-serve functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pause valve actuator and selection dial are added to enable single-serve mode, then user flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the pause valve actuator serves both as a detection mechanism for container presence and as a control element for dispensing mode selection. The selection dial merges user input with automatic detection, allowing the system to switch between carafe and single-serve modes through a single unified interface rather than separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The pause valve actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that automatically performs both container detection and dispensing control. It detects whether a carafe or cup/mug is present and automatically adjusts the coffee flow accordingly, eliminating the need for separate detection and control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the coffee maker automatically reverts to carafe mode when a carafe is inserted, then operation is simplified, but user control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee maker employs self-service through automatic container detection and mode switching. When a carafe is placed on the base, the system automatically detects its presence and switches to carafe mode without requiring user intervention. The pause valve actuator autonomously monitors the base and triggers the appropriate dispensing mode based on the detected container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the container type before dispensing begins. The pause valve actuator is positioned to detect the presence and type of container in advance, allowing the system to pre-configure the appropriate dispensing mode (carafe or single-serve) before the brewing cycle starts, ensuring seamless operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee maker comprises a filter basket assembly that enables two coffee dispensing modes. The assembly comprises a filter basket, an actuator that cooperates with a carafe and a motor driven valve. The actuator stops coffee from dispensing when the carafe is removed, but can be defeated by the user to dispense into a cup or mug when the carafe is absent.