Filter System with Closable Flow Opening for Brewing Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter systems for preparing beverages, such as tea or coffee, require cumbersome manual intervention to regulate brewing time and separate the filter from the liquid, often necessitating additional containers or tools.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with a plate-shaped shut-off element that can be inserted into the container, featuring a flow opening that closes sealingly, allowing for user-friendly regulation of brewing time by controlling the flow of liquid between two liquid-receiving spaces, preventing further extraction of ingredients once absorption is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the filter or strainer is removed from the warm liquid after brewing, then the brewing time can be controlled to prevent over-extraction, but the user requires additional containers or tools to place the filter after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter container and the liquid receiving chamber into a single integrated device. The filter container can be inserted into and removed from the liquid receiving chamber, eliminating the need for separate handling of filters and providing precise brewing time control through a single unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If the liquid receiving chamber is designed to hold both liquid and beverage substrate, then the brewing process can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two functional chambers: a liquid receiving chamber for holding the beverage substrate and a filter container for filtration. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each chamber's function while maintaining overall simplicity through modular design.
3Productivity
If a flow opening is provided for liquid drainage, then the brewing process can be controlled, but the flow opening requires a valve mechanism that complicates the device
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the user's insertion or removal of the filter container. When the filter container is inserted, the valve automatically closes to prevent premature drainage; when removed, the valve automatically opens to allow drainage. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates complex control systems while maintaining brewing efficiency.
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 simple and individual regulation of brewing time, eliminating the need for additional containers and tools, ensuring precise control over the infusion process without over-extraction of flavors and active substances.
Implementation Method 1
the shut-off element seals tightly and positively against the inner wall of the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter system (1) for preparing beverages by means of a beverage base (4), such as for example coffee powder, soup powder, or tea, comprising a filter (10) or strainer provided for use in a container (2) and by means of which the beverage base (4) is introduced into the heated liquid (3) of a first liquid-receiving compartment (20) which is provided in the container (2) and in which the filtered beverage base (4) develops and gives off its ingredients to the liquid (3). The filter system (1) according to the invention is characterised in that a device (11) is provided which can be introduced into the container (2) in order to form a second liquid-receiving compartment (21), wherein the device (11) comprises at least one through flow opening (110) for the liquid (3) enriched with ingredients, which opening can be closed such that the beverage base (4) cannot develop further in the liquid-receiving compartment (21) formed by the device (11).