Collapsible Brew Basket Structure for Reusable Drip Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip-type beverage brewing machines face challenges with the limited usability and environmental impact of their brew baskets, which are often made of disposable materials and require frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible brew basket design for drip-type beverage brewing machines, featuring sliding upper and lower portions that allow for expansion during use and collapse for storage, along with a secure alignment system using key elements to ensure proper positioning within the brewing machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable brew baskets are used, then ease of cleaning is improved, but environmental harm and cost increase due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the disposable concept by creating a permanent, reusable brew basket that replaces the traditional disposable model. The permanent basket is designed to be easily cleaned and reused indefinitely, eliminating the environmental harm and cost associated with frequent replacement of disposable baskets while maintaining ease of cleaning through its smooth, non-porous surface.
2Volume of moving object
If collapsible brew basket is used, then storage space is reduced, but device complexity increases due to sliding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The brew basket employs a dynamic collapsible design where the lower portion can slide vertically within the upper portion. This allows the basket to transition between an expanded brewing configuration and a collapsed storage configuration, reducing storage space by approximately 50% without requiring complex mechanical systems beyond simple sliding engagement with flanges.
3Volume of moving object
If collapsible brew basket is used, then storage space is reduced, but ease of operation decreases due to expansion/collapse mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible mechanism is designed for intuitive operation where the user simply presses a button to release the lower portion, allowing it to collapse or expand with minimal effort. The sliding action follows the natural contour of the basket, making the transformation between storage and brewing modes straightforward and easy to perform.
4Reliability
If key element alignment system is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system utilizes asymmetric key elements positioned at specific locations on the brew basket that correspond to matching features in the brewing machine. This asymmetric configuration ensures proper orientation and placement of the basket, preventing misuse and ensuring reliable operation without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
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
The collapsible brew basket system enhances usability by allowing for easy storage and reduces waste by extending the life of the brew basket, while ensuring proper alignment and preventing misuse of unsuitable baskets within the brewing machine.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating element for heating water
Implementation Method 2
The lower portion is slidingly position within the upper portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure recites a beverage brewing system having beverage brewing machine and a collapsible brew basket. The beverage brewing machine has a housing with a water reservoir and an electrical heating element for heating water. An output system is provided for dispensing the heated water to the brew basket. The brew basket is a collapsible brew basket, positionable between a collapsed position and an expanded portion. The brew basket included and upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion slidingly engaging the upper portion between the collapsed and the exposed position.