Foldable Filter Support Element for Custom Beverage Pod Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pod-based brewing systems limit users to pre-selected coffee types and freshness, as they require sealed pods, restricting the choice of beverages and freshness of brewing material.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable pod-making system with a base and pivotally coupled sealing tool that allows users to create custom pods using ground brewing material, and a support element for brewing material that can be used in both pod-based and non-pod brewing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-packaged sealed pods are used, then convenience and ease of use are improved, but beverage variety and freshness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the brewing chamber into modular components including a removable support element and interchangeable filters, allowing users to easily reconfigure for different beverage types while maintaining convenience of pre-packaged pods for standard use
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate both pre-packaged pods and loose brewing material using the same support element, enabling a single device to perform multiple beverage preparation functions
2Ease of operation
If pre-packaged sealed pods are used, then ease of use is improved, but freshness of brewing material deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the brewing material from pre-sealed pods and allows it to be placed directly into the brewing chamber on the support element, eliminating the need for sealing and enabling use of freshly ground material while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Users can prepare brewing material in advance by grinding coffee or preparing tea leaves and storing them in airtight containers, then simply transfer to the support element when brewing, combining freshness with convenience
3Weight of moving object
If a lightweight portable system is created, then portability and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element, brewing chamber, and water reservoir are integrated into a single compact unit with the support element built-in, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed to be self-cleaning through the brewing process where water flow rinses the chamber, and components are designed for easy manual cleaning, reducing the need for complex maintenance 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 users to easily form custom pods with freshly ground material, providing more beverage options and improved freshness, while being convenient and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned below the receptacle and configured to heat water received in the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
hot water is filtered through the pod to brew the beverage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a support element for beverage brewing material includes providing water-permeable material to form a concave holder configured to receive the material, with a rim formed around an upper periphery. The method can include providing the material with fold lines, forming the holder from a single piece of the material, and shaping the holder into an open state. Preparing a beverage includes unfolding the support element to form a receptacle, adding the brewing material to an interior, and providing a flow of fluid through the material. An empty container includes filter material formable as a receptacle having has a bottom and sidewalls with folds defining an interior, and a rim at a top edge. The receptacle has a circular cross-section and a diameter of between about 30 mm and about 50 mm and/or a depth of between about 1 mm and about 15 mm.