Espresso Capsule Holder with Piercing Filter Plate and Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional espresso machines face issues with coffee freshness, flavor loss, and mess during espresso removal, while capsule machines limit coffee choice and require brand loyalty.
Innovation Solution
A capsule holder for conventional espresso machines, featuring a filter plate with upstanding elements to tear the capsule surface and perforations for coffee passage, along with a retaining member to secure the capsule and allow water pressure application, enabling use of capsules, ESE pods, and loose coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional espresso machine with filter holder is used, then coffee can be brewed, but ground coffee loses freshness and flavor after a few days requiring a coffee grinder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable coffee capsules that are individually wrapped to maintain freshness. Each capsule contains pre-ground coffee that is used immediately, eliminating the need for storage and a coffee grinder. The capsule is discarded after single use, ensuring coffee freshness without requiring additional equipment.
2Ease of operation
If ESE coffee pods are used in filter holder, then convenience is improved, but water can leak around the edge if not placed correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a capsule holder as an intermediary device between the capsule and the filter holder. The holder includes a retaining member that secures the capsule in the correct position, preventing misplacement. This intermediary mechanism ensures proper alignment and sealing, eliminating water leakage while maintaining the convenience of capsule usage.
3Ease of operation
If capsule machines are used, then convenience and consistent product are improved, but coffee choice is limited to manufacturer's brand
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the conventional filter holder multi-functional by enabling it to accept coffee capsules in addition to traditional loose coffee and ESE pods. The capsule holder is designed to work with the standard filter holder geometry, allowing the machine to handle multiple coffee formats. This universality provides the convenience of capsules while maintaining the ability to use various coffee types and brands.
4Reliability
If conventional filter holder is used with loose coffee, then coffee freshness can be maintained, but used espresso coffee removal is messy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses disposable capsules that contain the used coffee grounds after brewing. Instead of removing messy loose coffee grounds from the filter, the entire capsule with spent grounds is simply ejected and discarded. This eliminates the mess associated with removing used coffee while maintaining coffee freshness through individual wrapping.
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
Facilitates the use of capsules in conventional machines, maintaining coffee quality and convenience, while allowing flexibility in coffee choice and eliminating the need for a new machine.
Implementation Method 1
a filter plate having a plurality of upstanding elements adapted to tear, in use, a surface of a coffee capsule
Implementation Method 2
elements adapted to tear, in use, a surface of a coffee capsule
Implementation Method 3
permit water to be applied under pressure to a surface of the capsule remote from the surface adjacent to the filter plate
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of perforations adapted to allow passage of coffee from a capsule to a cup
Data Source
AI summary
A filter holder for an espresso coffee machine comprising a handle (1) and an outer holder (2), which outer holder is adapted to receive a filter plate (8). The filter plate (8) comprises a plurality of upstanding elements such as truncated pyramids adapted to tear, in use, a surface of a coffee capsule. Between the pyramids a plurality of perforations allow passage of coffee from a capsule to a cup. The holder further comprising a retaining member, which retaining member is adapted to retain the capsule in position and to permit water or steam to be applied under pressure to a surface of the capsule remote from the surface adjacent to the filter plate, the water or steam penetrating the capsule surface to reach the coffee in the capsule.