Dual-Filter Coffee Packaging for Reversible Beverage Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for ground coffee or tea does not allow for the production of two different beverage qualities using the same packaging, as they are not reversible and lack distinct filtration properties to differentiate drink quality based on direction of use.
Innovation Solution
A packaging design with two filtering layers of different porosity and thickness, marked for differentiation, allowing the same packaging to produce different beverage qualities based on direction of use, utilizing a water injection head with reading means to adapt operation according to identified markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging uses a single filter layer with uniform filtration properties, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but only one beverage quality can be produced regardless of use direction
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into two distinct filter layers with different filtration properties (porosity, thickness, material composition). One layer has higher porosity for faster water passage, while the other has lower porosity for slower passage, enabling two different beverage qualities to be produced from the same packaging by changing the direction of water flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is designed to perform multiple functions: it can produce two different beverage qualities (espresso and filter coffee) using the same physical packaging structure. The peripheral reinforcement and water injection head are designed to work in both directions, making the packaging universal and reversible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the packaging is designed to work in both directions with identical faces, then reversibility is achieved, but the ability to produce different beverage qualities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall packaging shape and peripheral reinforcement are symmetric to allow bidirectional use, the two filter layers are made asymmetric in terms of their filtration properties. Additionally, visual markings are added to create asymmetric visual cues that help users identify the correct orientation for producing different beverage qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual markings such as colored bands or patterns are applied to the packaging to indicate the orientation for producing different beverage qualities. For example, one end may have a blue marking indicating espresso mode, while the other end has a green marking indicating filter coffee mode, making direction identification easy and intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the filter layers have significantly different porosity ratios (1:4), then distinct beverage qualities are achieved, but water passage time varies too much between directions
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration properties of the two layers are carefully adjusted to achieve the desired balance. The porosity ratio is optimized to provide distinct beverage qualities while keeping the brewing time variation within acceptable limits. The thickness and material composition of each layer are also tuned to achieve the target water passage times for both brewing modes.
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 the production of distinct beverage qualities by varying the filtration properties of the filter layers, ensuring consistent drink quality regardless of use direction, with visual and reading-based marking systems to guide user preference.
Implementation Method 1
The packaging consists of a lower layer (3) whose filtration properties are different from those of the upper layer (4)... The filtration qualities of a filter layer are classically defined by the water passage time... using a 16 bar pump, a medium grind of coffee, a weight of 7g and varying the porosity of the filter layer
Implementation Method 2
varying the porosity of the filter layer, the ratio of the passage time between two filter layers can vary from 1 to 4... the lower layer (3) whose filtration properties are different from those of the upper layer (4)... including porosity, thickness, relief, type of material used and any other characteristics that may modify the filtration qualities of a filter layer
Implementation Method 3
the device includes reading means for identifying said marking... The said packaging is placed vertically in a vertical slide (12) adapted to cooperate with the peripheral reinforcement (9) of said packaging... the reading means are located on either side of the slide (12), at a location defined to allow the reading of the markings (7 and 8)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to packaging (1) for the infusion of an infusible substance that comprises two filtering layers (3, 4) so as to define a volume (2) receiving the infusible substance (2) and able to engage with a water injection head through one or other of its surfaces characterised in that said filtering layers have different filtering properties. To advantage, the packaging comprises a mark (7) intended to identify the two filtering layers. Device (10) for using this packaging comprising mark reading means (11). Application for the packaging of ground coffee or tea for use with machines using shots of pre-packed ground coffee or tea.