Filter cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter cups require continuous external force to separate infusion from residue, making them inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A filter cup design featuring an inner cup with a conical filter bottom, plug-like member, and rotating members connected to a grip, allowing the inner cup to move upward when pulled, creating a gap for liquid to flow out through a discharge hole without continuous force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moveable plug or elastic element is used to control liquid flow, then liquid discharge can be controlled, but continuous external force is required to operate the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cup automatically pushes the plug-like member to cover the discharge hole when placed in the outer cup, and automatically moves upward to create a gap when liquid is poured in, eliminating the need for continuous external force to control liquid discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-like member is preliminarily positioned by the inner cup to cover the discharge hole before liquid is poured, and the inner cup is preliminarily positioned to block the gap, so that no continuous force is needed during the brewing process
2Reliability
If the inner cup is tightly fitted to the outer cup to prevent leakage, then liquid containment is improved, but liquid cannot flow out smoothly when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static tight fit to a dynamic configuration where the inner cup can move upward relative to the outer cup, creating a gap between the plug-like member and discharge hole to allow liquid flow while maintaining leakage prevention when blocked
3Ease of operation
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used to control liquid flow, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex elastic element and rod mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple plug-like member that is directly pushed by the inner cup, maintaining flow control functionality while significantly reducing mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cup serves multiple functions: containing liquid, pushing the plug-like member to control flow, and moving upward to create the gap for liquid discharge, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms
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 easy and convenient use by allowing liquid to flow out smoothly with minimal user effort, improving usability compared to prior designs.
Implementation Method 1
A bottom side of the inner cup (1) is a conical surface that forms a filter bottom surface (11)... A discharge hole (21) is disposed on a bottom surface of the outer cup (2)... The liquid in the inner cup can pass through the gap and then flow out from the discharge hole (21)
Data Source
AI summary
A filter cup is revealed. The filter cup includes an outer cup, an inner cup mounted in the outer cup and a grip. The inner cup consists of a filter bottom surface on the bottom thereof, a plug-like member on the filter bottom surface, and at least two flanges on top of the inner cup. A discharge hole is disposed on bottom of the outer cup and sealed by the plug-like member. Two rotating members are pivotally connected to the outer cup and each includes a leaning portion projecting therefrom. The grip is connected to the rotating members. The rotating members are driven to move for pushing the flanges and moving the inner cup vertically by the leaning portions thereof when the grip is pulled. Thus a gap is formed between the plug-like member and the discharge hole, allowing liquid in the inner to flow out therethrough.