Foldable Tea Strainer With Squeezing Mechanism for Leak Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable tea infusers leak uncontrollably, causing stains and requiring more effort for disposal, and they are not environmentally friendly due to high material usage and waste.
Innovation Solution
A foldable disposable strainer with a built-in squeezing mechanism using multiple threads to minimize leakage and facilitate easy disposal, reducing material usage and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the disposable strainer is designed as an individual mean for loose tea infusion, then it allows convenient single-use tea making, but it must be submerged into water for infusion and must be removed, causing uncontrollable leakage of tea brew stains
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two separable parts: a first part that remains in the cup during infusion and a second part that is removed and folded for squeezing. This segmentation allows the infusion container to be held open during brewing while enabling controlled closure and squeezing during disposal, preventing uncontrolled leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The base transitions from a static open structure during infusion to a dynamic folded structure during disposal. The foldable design allows the base to change configuration - remaining open to support the infusion container during brewing, then folding to close and compress the container for controlled drainage and disposal.
2Productivity
If the disposable strainer uses a traditional disposal method, then it requires submersion and removal from water, but this process creates stains and requires additional cleaning effort
Solution Approach 1:
The squeezing mechanism is pre-configured with threads attached to the infusion container and base structure. Before disposal, the user simply pulls the threads to automatically compress the container and control drainage, eliminating the need for manual squeezing or careful handling that causes spills and stains.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposal process is made self-regulating through the thread mechanism. As the base folds and threads are pulled, the infusion container is automatically compressed and tea brew is controlled to drain back into the cup or be contained, without requiring user intervention to prevent spills or manage leakage.
3Productivity
If the disposable strainer is made as a mass consumption product, then it serves high demand, but it generates significant waste and environmental impact due to high material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer is divided into reusable and disposable components. The base structure (first part) can be reused or disposed of separately from the infusion container (second part), allowing selective disposal of only the contaminated portion while retaining the structural framework, thereby reducing overall material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables separation of the infusion container from the base structure during disposal. The infusion container, which contains the tea leaves and absorbed water, can be removed and disposed of separately from the base, allowing recovery and potential reuse of the base structure and reducing the volume of waste requiring disposal.
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
The strainer effectively contains tea infusion, reduces disposal effort, and minimizes material consumption, making it more sanitary and sustainable.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable infusion container with a moisture-permeable body attached to the base
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~11
Figure 12
AI summary
The invention relates to a disposable strainer (1) for tea infusion comprising a base (10) and a deformable infusion container (11) with a moisture-permeable body (110) attached to the base (10). According to the invention: • the base (10) is foldable, • the disposable strainer (1) comprises a squeezing mechanism (12) connected to the body (110) of the infusion container (11) and adapted to squeeze the infusion container (11) once the base (10) is folded, • the squeezing mechanism (12) consists in a first thread (121) adapted for drawing out of the disposable strainer (1).