Drip coffee filter structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip coffee brewing methods lack flexibility in changing brewing modes, as off-the-shelf filter bags (quasi-cube or funneled) do not allow for adjustable extraction times and flavors.
Innovation Solution
A drip coffee filter structure with hanging ear devices that allow the filter bag to be hung upright or lopsidedly, featuring tensile, foldable, and stretchable sections, enabling flexible brewing modes by adjusting the water inlet position and bag shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an off-the-shelf filter bag (quasi-cube or funneled) is used, then the brewing process is simple and quick, but the brewing mode cannot be changed and extraction time is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bag is divided into multiple detachable sections: a filter body, a hanging ear assembly with engagement portions, and a crevice structure. This segmentation allows the filter bag to be reconfigured into different hanging orientations (upright, lopsided, inverted) by detaching and reattaching the hanging ear assembly to different locations on the filter body, enabling multiple brewing modes with a single filter bag design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanging ear assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components including engagement portions that can connect to different positions on the filter body, and a crevice structure that allows flexible positioning. This dynamic design enables the filter bag to transition between different hanging orientations and brewing modes, providing adaptability without requiring multiple separate filter bags.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a quasi-cube filter bag with long bottom is used, then contact time between coffee powders and hot water is prolonged for distinct concentration extraction, but extraction time cannot be adjusted for different flavor preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bag's hanging orientation is made dynamic through the adjustable hanging ear assembly. By changing the hanging orientation (upright for longer extraction, lopsided for moderate extraction, inverted for short extraction), the user can adjust the effective contact time between water and coffee grounds to match different flavor preferences, transforming a static extraction time design into an adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter bag is designed to perform multiple brewing functions with a single structure. The same filter bag can be used for long extraction (distinct concentration), moderate extraction (balanced flavor), or short extraction (fresh taste) by simply changing the hanging orientation, making the device universal for different extraction time requirements without needing multiple specialized filter bags.
3Speed
If a funneled filter bag with minimal contact time is used, then fast extraction and fresh coffee taste are achieved, but brewing mode cannot be changed for different flavor preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The filter bag incorporates a dynamic hanging ear assembly that allows the user to change the hanging orientation based on desired extraction speed. The funneled shape maintains fast extraction capability when hung in the original orientation, while the ability to reconfigure to upright or inverted orientations provides flexibility for slower or different extraction patterns, enabling speed adjustment without sacrificing brewing mode versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A drip coffee filter structure in the present disclosure comprises a filter bag and two hanging ear devices designed at two lateral sides of the filter bag, respectively. The hanging ear devices make the filter bag hang on a cup upright or lopsidedly for extraction of coffee as required.