Filter container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter vessels with ribbed inner contours and filter paper inserts often fail to evenly distribute coffee filtrate into two separate containers, leading to inconsistent filling when preparing larger quantities of coffee for multiple people.

Innovation Solution

A filter vessel design featuring a central separating element on the bottom that divides the area into two approximately equal outflow spaces, each with its own opening, ensuring even distribution of the filtrate and allowing for simultaneous filling of two containers, with optional features like sloping bases and guide elements to enhance flow and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single opening is provided in the bottom area of the filter vessel, then the structure is simple, but the filtrate cannot be evenly distributed into two containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfiltrate distribution evenness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter vessel bottom is segmented into two separate drainage spaces (first and second drainage spaces) divided by a separating element, with each space having its own opening. This segmentation allows the filtrate to be evenly distributed into two containers simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple openings are provided in the bottom area to increase outflow quantity, then the outflow capacity increases, but the filtrate cannot be evenly distributed into two containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutflow quantityVSAvoidfiltrate distribution evenness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom area is segmented into two distinct drainage spaces separated by a separating element extending from the bottom upward. Each drainage space has its own opening, ensuring that the increased outflow quantity is evenly distributed between two containers rather than creating uneven flow through multiple openings in a single space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If no separating element is provided, then the structure is simple, but the filtrate cannot be evenly distributed into two drainage spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfiltrate distribution evenness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A separating element is introduced to divide the interior space into two approximately equal drainage spaces. This simple partitioning structure ensures even distribution of the filtrate into two containers while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the base is horizontal, then the structure is simple, but the liquid supply to the opening cannot be reliably ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase structure simplicityVSAvoidliquid supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire base sloping (which would complicate the structure), the invention uses a horizontal base with a separating element that creates two drainage spaces. The separating element may have a slight slope or the drainage spaces are positioned to ensure reliable liquid supply to the openings while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reliable and even distribution of coffee filtrate into two containers, ensuring consistent filling without the need for intermediate containers, and allows for flexible positioning on one or two vessels.

Implementation Method 1

a separating element is provided in the middle area of the bottom, which divides the area above the bottom into two approximately equal outflow spaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a sloping base towards the opening is provided on each drainage space. The inclination of the base to the horizontal can be at an angle of between 3° and 30°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

a filter insert made of water-permeable material, which can be filled with ground coffee

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

filter vessel for receiving a filter insert made of water-permeable material, which can be filled with ground coffee

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3289935B1Filter container
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 MELITTA EUROPA
  • EP3289935B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3289935B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3289935B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A filter vessel (1) for receiving a filter insert (2) made of water-permeable material, which can be filled with ground coffee, has side walls (20) that spread upwards and a base (19) on which a filtrate flows through at least two openings (9, 10 ) can drain, with a separating element (11) being provided in a central region of the floor (19) which divides the region above the floor (19) into two approximately equally large drainage spaces (12, 13), with each drainage space (12, 13) at least one opening (9, 10) is assigned for the drainage of the filtrate. As a result, the filter vessel (1) can be optionally positioned on one or two containers in order to fill them via the at least two openings (9, 10).