Disposable Permeable Filter for Mess-Free Single Cup Brewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reusable coffee filters in single cup brewers are prone to clogging, require time-consuming cleaning, and can cause messes, while pre-packaged cartridges are environmentally unfriendly and limited in product placement.

Innovation Solution

A disposable beverage filter with a self-supporting basket portion made from water-permeable materials, featuring a ring-shaped opening and a collar that fits over a reusable coffee filter holder, allowing for easy installation and removal without leakage or mess, and can be designed with multiple chambers for different products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a reusable coffee filter is used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the filter is prone to clogging and requires time-consuming cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidbrewing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable filter that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and preventing clogging issues associated with reusable filters. This disposable approach maintains environmental friendliness while significantly improving brewing efficiency and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily disposed of after use. This segmentation allows the filtering function to be separated from the reusable holder, enabling quick replacement without cleaning the main brewing device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a reusable coffee filter is used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the cleaning process is time-consuming and messy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By using a disposable filter, the patent eliminates the cleaning step entirely. The filter is discarded after one use, saving time and avoiding the messy cleaning process while maintaining environmental friendliness through responsible disposal of biodegradable materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering function is extracted into a separate disposable component that is removed and discarded after use. This extraction eliminates the need to clean the main brewing device, significantly reducing time loss and mess.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If pre-packaged cartridges are used, then brewing convenience is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrewing convenienceVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter utilizes porous biodegradable materials that allow water permeation while filtering coffee grounds. This natural filtration approach provides brewing convenience similar to cartridges while being environmentally friendly through biodegradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filter is constructed from composite materials including biodegradable plastics and natural fibers that combine the convenience of disposable cartridges with environmental friendliness, allowing easy disposal while reducing environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If pre-packaged cartridges are used, then brewing convenience is improved, but product placement flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrewing convenienceVSAvoidproduct placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple chambers that can accommodate different products or coffee types. This segmentation provides product placement flexibility while maintaining the brewing convenience of a disposable cartridge system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter design incorporates multiple chambers and compartments that can be used for various products including coffee, tea, or other beverages. This multi-functionality provides adaptability and versatility while preserving the ease of operation of disposable cartridges.

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

The disposable filter eliminates clogging and cleaning issues, is environmentally friendly, and allows for flexible product placement, enabling quick and mess-free brewing cycles.

Implementation Method 1

a self-supporting basket portion formed from a water permeable material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a self-supporting basket portion formed from a water permeable material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20180354714A1Permeable disposable filter and beverage system

Publication Date: 2018.12.13 JACKSON SHAWN ALPHEUS

AI summary

A disposable filter can replace a reusable filter in a reusable coffee filter. The disposable filter can be removed immediately after use and discarded without mess, making the single cup brewer available without delay for the next brew cycle. The disposable filter includes a basket portion having a collar, where the basket portion can fit into a reusable coffee filter holder and the collar can rest over a lip of the reusable coffee filter holder.