Disposable Brewing Container With Integrated Filter for Gravity Brewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee brewing solutions require expensive equipment, are not suitable for one-time use, and often necessitate pressurized liquids or complex manufacturing processes, making them unsuitable for cost-effective, handheld brewing without specialized machinery.

Innovation Solution

A disposable brewing device comprising a liquid-permeable inner compartment integrated within a liquid-impermeable outer compartment, formed from materials like film or foil, which allows brewing under atmospheric pressure without additional equipment, reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for specialized gear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coffee maker with cleaning requirement is used, then brewing quality is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing qualityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a disposable brewing device that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance. The device includes a disposable filter element and container that are thrown away after brewing, replacing the need for permanent coffee makers that require cleaning and upkeep.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The brewing function is extracted from complex permanent equipment and placed into a simple disposable unit. The essential brewing components (filter, container, brewing chamber) are separated from the complex coffee maker body, allowing the brewing function to be performed independently without requiring the complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If pressurized liquid is introduced through web material, then beverage extraction is achieved, but device complexity and specialized equipment requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage extraction efficiencyVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing device is designed to be self-activating through simple user actions. When water is poured into the container, gravity naturally causes the water to flow through the filter element and brew the beverage, eliminating the need for pressurized liquid introduction systems or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex pressurized liquid introduction mechanisms with simple gravity-driven flow. Instead of requiring pumps, pressure regulators, or specialized brewing equipment, the device uses natural gravity to move water through the filter and brew the beverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If foldable funnel frame is used, then brewing versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the funnel structure with the filter element into a single integrated component. The filter element serves dual purposes as both the filtration medium and the funnel shape, eliminating the need for separate funnel frames and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable brewing device is designed to work with any standard cup or container, providing universal versatility. The simple open-top container design allows the device to be used with various cup types without requiring specialized brewing equipment or complex adaptive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If separate outer sealing is added, then aroma protection is improved, but device complexity and material consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearoma protectionVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the outer sealing function with the container wall itself. The container is designed with a sealed structure that inherently protects the aroma material, eliminating the need for separate sealing layers or additional protective wrapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the beverage, and acts as the protective sealing barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components and reduces overall material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cost-effective, self-contained, and environmentally friendly coffee brewing without specialized equipment, using materials resistant to boiling temperatures and designed for easy handling and space efficiency, while protecting aroma materials and extending shelf life.

Implementation Method 1

at least one inner compartment (2) formed by a liquid-permeable material (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

at least one outer compartment forming a brewing container (3) formed by a liquid-impermeable material (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpermeability:

Implementation Method 3

said brewing device comprises a substantially air, aroma-, and liquid-impermeable outer sealing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing barrier:

Data Source

PatentUS20080003337A1Disposable Brewing Device
Publication Date: 2008.01.03 COLUMBUS E
  • US20080003337A1 patent drawing
  • US20080003337A1 patent drawing
  • US20080003337A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a disposable brewing device (1) comprising at least one inner compartment (2) said inner compartment being formed by a liquid-permeable material (4) and containing aroma material (5), at least one outer compartment forming a brewing container (3) said brewing container being formed by a liquid-impermeable material (6), said at least one liquid-permeable inner compartment (2) being integrated within said brewing container (3)