Temperature controlling structure and filter assembly including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing methods, such as pour-over coffee, face challenges in maintaining stable and controllable brewing temperatures due to significant temperature differences between the brewing water, filter paper, and ambient temperature, leading to under-extracted coffee with inconsistent flavor.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controlling structure and filter assembly that includes a surrounding portion and a bottom portion to create a liquid accommodation space, allowing users to adjust the temperature of the filter cup and filter paper by adding water at specific temperatures during different phases of the brewing process, thereby minimizing temperature differences and ensuring consistent extraction rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional brewing methods are used without temperature control, then the brewing process is simple and quick, but the brewing temperature becomes unstable and uncontrollable due to temperature reduction from filter cup, filter paper, and ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the filter cup and filter paper before brewing using hot water poured into the liquid accommodation space. This pre-heating step prepares the brewing environment in advance, ensuring that when actual brewing occurs, the temperature difference between brewing water and brewing components is minimized, thereby maintaining stable brewing temperature without requiring complex active heating systems during the brewing process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the liquid accommodation space filled with hot water - that acts as a thermal mediator between the heat source and the brewing components. This intermediary hot water layer transfers heat to the filter cup and filter paper, indirectly controlling their temperature and thereby stabilizing the brewing temperature without direct contact between the heating element and brewing water.
2Temperature
If pre-heating methods using heat packs or coffee machine drying function are used, then the temperature difference between filter cup and hot water is reduced, but the process becomes complicated and requires extensive experience and calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the brewing system to pre-heat itself using the brewing water's own heat. The liquid accommodation space utilizes the hot brewing water to heat the filter cup and filter paper during the brewing process itself, eliminating the need for external heat packs or coffee machine drying functions. This self-heating mechanism simplifies operation by removing complex calibration steps and experience-dependent adjustments.
3Temperature
If brewing water temperature is raised to compensate for ambient temperature impact, then the brewing temperature can be maintained, but the extraction rate may become uncontrolled and lead to over-extraction during middle to late brewing phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different thermal zones within the brewing system. The liquid accommodation space maintains a higher temperature to prevent heat loss from brewing water, while the filter cup and filter paper are selectively heated only when needed during specific brewing phases. This localized temperature control allows precise management of extraction rate during different brewing stages, preventing both under-extraction and over-extraction by adjusting temperature in specific areas at specific times.
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
The solution effectively reduces the impact of ambient temperature on brewing water, allowing for precise temperature control and consistent flavor production by adjusting the temperature of the filter cup and filter paper, enhancing the extraction rate and taste consistency of beverages like pour-over coffee.
Implementation Method 1
the user is allowed to pour water at a specific temperature into the temperature controlling structure to affect, control, or adjust the temperature of the filter cup and the filter paper therein
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlling structure and a filter assembly including the same are provided, where the temperature controlling structure includes a bottom portion and a surrounding portion connected to the bottom portion, the bottom portion is configured for a filter cup detachably disposed thereon so that the filter cup is surrounded by an accommodation space defined by the surrounding portion and the bottom portion.