Filter Paper Insert With Zoned Slots for Coffee Oil Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter paper inserts for brewed drinks either retain coffee oils, reducing flavor intensity or allow coffee grounds into the extract, affecting brewing time and flavor consistency.
Innovation Solution
A filter paper insert with varying slot densities and lengths across different regions, allowing longer slots in the upper area to pass coffee oils while retaining coffee grounds, and embossing to enhance oil extraction and visual separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small pores or perforations are used to retain coffee particles, then coffee particle retention is improved, but coffee oil retention increases reducing flavor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter paper insert applies local quality by creating different slot characteristics in different regions: the lower region has slots with smaller opening sizes to retain coffee particles, while the upper region has slots with larger opening sizes to allow coffee oils to pass through. This spatial variation in slot properties resolves the contradiction between particle retention and oil passage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If slots are made to allow coffee oils through, then flavor intensity is improved, but coffee grounds may pass through reducing brewing quality
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the filter paper insert have different slot opening sizes tailored to their specific functions. The lower region slots are designed with smaller openings to prevent coffee grounds from passing through, while the upper region slots have larger openings to facilitate coffee oil passage. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between allowing oils through and maintaining brewing quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform slot distribution is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but brewing time consistency deteriorates for different coffee quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The filter paper insert employs non-uniform slot distribution where the lower region has a higher density of slots and the upper region has a lower density. This graduated distribution optimizes brewing time for different coffee quantities while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and brewing time consistency.
4Productivity
If more slots per area are provided, then permeability is improved for faster drainage, but residence time decreases reducing extraction quality
Solution Approach 1:
The filter paper insert creates a gradient in slot density with more slots per area in the lower region and fewer slots per area in the upper region. This configuration allows the lower region to provide adequate drainage speed while the overall structure maintains sufficient residence time for quality extraction, resolving the contradiction between productivity and duration of action.
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
Significantly increases coffee oil content in the drink, enhancing flavor intensity and maintaining coffee grounds out of the extract, while optimizing brewing times and visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of slots 11, 13, 15 are made in the filter paper 23... The arrangement of slots in the filter paper means that the coffee grounds are largely retained, but the oils as flavor carriers are more likely to be allowed through
Implementation Method 2
embossed seams 6 and 7 are provided, which connect the layers 2 to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
A filter-paper insert (1) for making brewed beverages, in particular coffee or tea, having at least two layers (2) made of filter paper which are connected to one another along a base (4), and along opposite side walls (3, 5), in order to form a fillable interior, wherein the filter paper contains a multiplicity of slots (11, 13, 15) for increasing the permeability, wherein the filter-paper insert (1) has fewer slots (11) per surface area in a lower region (8), arranged adjacent to the base (4), than in an upper region (10), arranged adjacent to an introduction opening.