Drip Coffee Filter Hanging Structure for Switchable Brewing Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drip coffee brewing methods lack flexibility in changing between quasi-cube and funneled filter bags for optimal flavor extraction, and existing filter bags do not allow for adjustable brewing modes.

Innovation Solution

A drip coffee filter structure with hanging ear devices featuring tensile, foldable, and stretchable sections, allowing the filter bag to be hung upright or lopsidedly, with a water inlet that can be adjusted for different brewing modes, enabling flexible switching between quasi-cube and funneled filter bag configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed filter bag shape (quasi-cube or funneled) is used, then the brewing process is simple, but the brewing mode cannot be changed to optimize flavor extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing mode changeabilityVSAvoidfilter bag structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter bag incorporates a transformable structure that can dynamically change between quasi-cube and funneled configurations. The hanging ear device includes movable connection segments and engagement portions that allow the filter bag to transition between different shapes during brewing, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple separate filter bags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hanging ear device is divided into multiple functional segments: a fixed portion, a connective segment, engagement portions, and hook portions. This segmentation allows independent movement and adjustment of each component, facilitating the transformation between different filter bag configurations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a transformable filter bag structure is implemented, then brewing mode flexibility is improved, but the hanging and fixing mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehanging orientation flexibilityVSAvoidhanging ear device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanging ear device serves multiple functions: it hangs the filter bag on the cup rim, enables transformation between quasi-cube and funneled shapes, and allows selection between upright and lopsided orientations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The hanging ear device features asymmetric engagement portions and hook structures that enable both upright and lopsided hanging orientations. The asymmetric design allows the filter bag to be securely fixed in different positions while maintaining the transformable structure, achieving hanging flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If the filter bag is fixed in one orientation, then the hanging mechanism is simple, but the brewing efficiency and flavor extraction are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoffee extraction efficiencyVSAvoidfilter bag configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter bag structure dynamically adapts its shape during the brewing process, transitioning between quasi-cube and funneled configurations to optimize water flow and coffee extraction efficiency. This dynamic transformation allows the system to improve productivity without requiring complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4298965B1Hanging structure for coffee filtration
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 CHEN MING YANG
  • EP4298965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4298965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4298965B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

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.