Filter Stand With Collecting Element for Residual Liquid Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee preparation methods, particularly those using filter vessels for Handbrühung, face issues with uneven extraction and residual liquid dripping, which complicates the preparation and cleanup of high-quality coffee.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a filter stand with a support member and a collecting element that allows the filter vessel to be positioned for easy liquid collection, preventing direct contact with a container and enabling the rotation of the filter vessel to direct residual liquid into a collecting trough, ensuring efficient liquid management and easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter vessel is placed directly on the container for Handbrühung, then the preparation process is simple, but residual liquid drips from the filter vessel after brewing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation simplicityVSAvoidresidual liquid dripping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary between the filter vessel and the container. The support member includes a collecting element (trough) that intercepts residual liquid before it can drip onto the container or user. This mediator structure solves the dripping problem while preserving the simplicity of direct placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed as a separate, removable component from the container. This segmentation allows the collecting element to be easily detached for cleaning while leaving the container intact, addressing the complexity of cleaning segmented parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a support member with collecting element is introduced, then residual liquid dripping is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual liquid drippingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the filter vessel, collects residual liquid through the trough, and acts as a barrier preventing drips onto the container. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by consolidating several needs into one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed to be removable and repositionable. The collecting element can be detached for cleaning, and the support member can be adjusted or removed as needed. This dynamic design reduces the perceived complexity by allowing flexible maintenance and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the filter vessel is held loosely on the container, then it is easy to place and remove, but the filter vessel becomes unstable and may rotate or displace

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement easeVSAvoidfilter vessel stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support member acts as a stable intermediary platform between the container and filter vessel. It provides a rigid base with opening(s) that guide liquid flow while supporting the filter vessel in a fixed, stable position during brewing, preventing rotation or displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the filter vessel is placed directly on the container, then liquid collection is straightforward, but cleaning the filter vessel becomes difficult due to residual liquid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid collection efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting element (trough) on the support member serves as an intermediary liquid collection point. It captures residual liquid that would otherwise remain in or on the filter vessel, transferring the cleaning task to the removable trough instead, which is easier to clean separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting element is designed to be removable from the support member. This extraction allows the trough to be separated and cleaned independently, making maintenance easier than cleaning the integrated filter vessel assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3574807B1Device and method for preparing a beverage
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 MELITTA EUROPA
  • EP3574807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3574807B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3574807B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A device (1) for preparing a beverage comprises a filter vessel (2) into which an extraction material can be placed, and a filter stand (3) onto which the filter vessel (2) can be placed on a support element (7), wherein the filter stand (3) has a receptacle (6) below the support element (7) for placing at least one container (4, 30) for collecting the extracted liquid from the filter vessel (2). Furthermore, a collection element (10) is provided on the support element (7), and a method for preparing a beverage is provided.