Temperature controlling structure and filter assembly including the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in brewing coffee, particularly in pour-over methods, is the uncontrollable brewing temperature due to ambient temperature influences, leading to under-extracted coffee as hot water temperature decreases when interacting with the filter paper and cup, making it difficult to achieve consistent taste and flavor.

Innovation Solution

A temperature controlling structure and filter assembly that allows for the adjustment of the filter cup's temperature by adding water at specific temperatures during various phases of the brewing process, minimizing temperature differences between the filter cup, filter paper, and brewing water, thereby controlling the extraction rate of soluble solids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hot water is used for brewing, then extraction rate is improved, but temperature reduction due to ambient influence increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction rateVSAvoidbrewing temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the filter cup and filter paper before brewing begins. The temperature controlling structure is filled with hot water prior to pouring brewing water, so that the container components are already warmed up. This preliminary heating action prevents excessive temperature reduction when brewing water is added, maintaining stable brewing temperature and consistent extraction rate throughout the brewing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Temperature

If ambient temperature is compensated by raising brewing water temperature, then brewing temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing temperature stabilityVSAvoidtemperature control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temperature controlling structure as an intermediary component between the brewing water and the filter cup. This structure acts as a thermal buffer that mediates the temperature interaction - it absorbs excess heat from the brewing water and releases it gradually, or prevents ambient temperature from directly affecting the brewing water. This intermediary approach simplifies temperature control compared to complex active heating systems, while still achieving stable brewing temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If pre-heating is done with heat packs or coffee machine drying function, then brewing temperature stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing temperature stabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the temperature controlling structure to automatically maintain appropriate temperature without requiring user intervention with heat packs or machine drying functions. The structure can be simply filled with hot water before brewing, and it self-regulates the temperature of the filter cup and filter paper throughout the brewing process. This eliminates the need for complex calibration steps and multiple operations, making the process simple and accessible even for inexperienced users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables precise control over brewing temperature, reducing the impact of ambient temperature on brewing water, resulting in improved extraction rates and consistent taste across brewing phases.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4215089A1Temperature controlling structure and filter assembly including the same
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 WISTRON CORP
  • EP4215089A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4215089A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4215089A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A temperature controlling structure (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) and a filter assembly (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g) including the same are provided, where the temperature controlling structure includes a bottom portion (13, 13e) and a surrounding portion (11, 11c, 11e, 11f) connected to the bottom portion, the bottom portion is configured for a filter cup (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) detachably disposed thereon so that the surrounding portion, the bottom portion, and the filter cup define a liquid accommodation space (S3) surrounding the filter cup.