Fitment assembly for a container and pack for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee beverage preparation methods are inconvenient, time-consuming, and require frequent cleaning and replacement of filters or capsules, with suboptimal extraction efficiency and increased costs due to the need for paper filters and proprietary capsules.
Innovation Solution
A disposable flexible pack with a fitment assembly that includes an inlet chamber for fluid flow, a tertiary active chamber for coffee ingredient filtration, and a tertiary passive chamber for filtered coffee fluid, along with a primary filter element and outlet duct for efficient coffee extraction, which is adaptable and easy to use, clean, and requires minimal user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a paper filter and manual preparation method are used, then coffee extraction can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires frequent cleaning and filter replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable pack containing pre-measured coffee grounds and an integrated filter system. The entire pack is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning filters or replacing paper filters manually. This disposable approach directly resolves the contradiction by making the system productive (ready-to-use immediately) while eliminating time loss associated with cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the coffee grounds, filter medium, and container into a single integrated disposable pack. This consolidation eliminates separate cleaning operations for filters and simplifies the preparation process to merely inserting the pack and adding water, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If proprietary capsules are used, then coffee extraction is simplified, but the cost increases and packaging space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible pouch or sachet as the container for coffee grounds and filter medium, rather than rigid proprietary capsules. This flexible packaging reduces material cost and packaging space requirements while maintaining ease of operation, as the flexible pack can be easily inserted into the brewing device and disposed of after use.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a disposable flexible pack instead of expensive proprietary capsules, the invention maintains ease of operation (simple insert-and-brew process) while reducing the cost and packaging space associated with single-use coffee containers.
3Reliability
If manual coffee preparation is performed, then coffee can be extracted, but multiple operations are required from the user making it inconvenient and tiresome
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable pack is pre-prepared with the correct amount of coffee grounds and an integrated filter system during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform multiple operations such as measuring coffee, assembling filters, or tamping grounds, thereby maintaining reliable coffee extraction while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable pack is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient, requiring no assembly or preparation by the user other than insertion into the brewing device. The filter and coffee grounds are already in place, making the system extremely easy to operate while ensuring reliable extraction functionality.
4Reliability
If traditional brewing devices are used, then coffee extraction is possible, but the devices require cleaning after each use and are not disposable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transfers the disposable concept from the coffee grounds to the entire brewing chamber (the pack). By making the brewing chamber itself disposable and pre-filled with coffee and filter, the permanent brewing device requires no cleaning, thereby maintaining extraction reliability while dramatically simplifying maintenance and reducing operational complexity.
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 solution enables rapid, optimized coffee beverage preparation with reduced operational steps, minimal waste, and cost-effectiveness by using a disposable pack that automatically adapts extraction parameters, ensuring efficient coffee extraction and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a primary filter element (11) filtering the extracted coffee fluid coming from the tertiary active chamber (231) and flowing into the tertiary passive chamber (232) in such a way that only the fluid can go through and into the tertiary passive chamber (232) while the particles of coffee ingredient are retained in the tertiary active chamber (231)
Implementation Method 2
an outlet duct (12) arranged in such a way that the coffee beverage from the tertiary passive chamber (232) enters the outlet duct (12) and flows by gravity towards the exterior of the fitment assembly (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Fitment assembly (10) for a container comprising in its inside volume a coffee ingredient, the fitment assembly (10) comprising: an inlet chamber (120) to accommodate an inflow of fluid for flowing through the coffee ingredient to extract a coffee beverage; a tertiary active chamber (231) on one of the sides of the fitment assembly (10) to where extracted coffee fluid together with the coffee ingredient particles is conveyed and a tertiary passive chamber (232) on the reverse side of the fitment assembly (10) to where the extracted coffee fluid after having been filtered is conveyed; a primary filter element (11) filtering the extracted coffee fluid coming from the tertiary active chamber (231) and flowing into the tertiary passive chamber (232) in such a way that only the fluid can go through and into the tertiary passive chamber (232) while the particles of coffee ingredient are retained in the tertiary active chamber (231); and an outlet duct (12) arranged in such a way that the extracted coffee beverage from the tertiary passive chamber (232) enters the outlet duct (12) and flows by gravity towards the exterior of the fitment assembly (10).