Expandable infusion container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion containers for preparing infusion beverages are not easily storable or transportable due to their size and lack visibility on usage status, and require complex filling mechanisms and pressure management for optimal brewing time.
Innovation Solution
An expandable infusion container with a destructible guarantee seal, comprising a base part, lid part, and a variable-length wall part connected via a tear-off film or web seal, allowing easy identification of usage and expansion for optimal brewing contact time without the need for piercing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the container is made expandable to increase brewing volume, then the brewing capacity is improved, but the storage volume and transport convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a dynamic structure where the wall part can change its configuration between compressed and expanded states. The wall part includes a variable section that can be folded or collapsed to reduce volume for storage, then expanded to provide sufficient brewing capacity during use. This dynamic transformation allows the container to adapt its volume according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows the wall part to fold inward and nest within the base part when in the compressed state. The variable wall section can be collapsed to fit within the confines of the base, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes storage volume while maintaining the full brewing capacity when expanded.
2Ease of operation
If the container structure is simplified for easy storage and transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to indicate usage status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guarantee seal incorporates a visual indicator mechanism that changes its appearance or state to clearly indicate whether the container has been used. This could involve a color change, a visible break pattern, or a positional change of the seal that is easily observable without complicating the container's overall simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guarantee seal is designed as a distinct segmented component that can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the container structure. This segmentation allows the seal to provide usage status information through its specific configuration or position, while the main container body remains simple and easy to store and transport.
3Loss of information
If a destructible guarantee seal is added to indicate usage status, then the visibility of usage status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guarantee seal is implemented as a thin film or flexible membrane structure that integrates into the container's existing architecture. This thin-film seal can be positioned between the base part and lid part, providing usage indication through its intact or broken state without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the container design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guarantee seal functionality is merged with the existing closure mechanism of the container. The seal is integrated into the connection between the base part and lid part, serving dual purposes of sealing the container and indicating usage status, thereby avoiding the need for separate independent components and reducing overall device complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If the wall part has variable length for expansion, then the brewing volume is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall part is divided into distinct segments or sections, with at least one variable section that can be folded or expanded. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured as a separate component using standard forming techniques, then assembled together to create the expandable structure, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable wall section incorporates hinges, joints, or flexible connections that allow it to change length between compressed and expanded states. These dynamic elements use simple mechanical joint designs that can be manufactured using conventional processes, enabling the wall part to provide variable brewing volume without requiring complex manufacturing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable infusion container (20) for receiving a dried infusion substance for preparation of an infusion beverage is disclosed. This comprises a base part (21), a lid part (22) and a wall part (23) connecting the base part (21) and the lid part (22). The wall part (23) has a variable length and is fastened with a first end (232) to the base part (21) and is connected with its second end (231) to the lid part (22). The lid part (22) and the base part (21) are connected to one another via a destructible guarantee seal (24).