Funnel Assembly with Removable Insert for Powdered Beverage Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage preparation equipment is limited in producing beverages from non-brewed substances like powdered juices, as they require hot water and mechanical mixing, which is not suitable for chilled or non-whipped beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage making system that utilizes a powdered beverage insert within a brewing funnel assembly, allowing for the mixing of powdered or granular substances with water at ambient or reduced temperatures without mechanical whipping, using existing brewing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional beverage brewing equipment is used with powdered substances, then hot water and mechanical mixing are required, but this is not suitable for chilled or non-whipped beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing assembly is divided into separate functional components: a removable insert for containing powdered substance, a funnel body for water distribution, and a container for collection. This segmentation allows the same basic structure to handle different beverage types by simply changing the insert or brewing parameters, without requiring completely different equipment for chilled vs. hot beverages.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can brew both traditional hot beverages and chilled powdered beverages using the same basic apparatus. The system achieves this universality by controlling water temperature and flow patterns rather than requiring different mechanical mixing devices for different beverage types.
2Reliability
If powdered substance is directly contacted with brewing equipment surfaces, then flavor crossover occurs and hygiene is compromised, but preventing this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed to be easily removed from the funnel body, allowing users to take out and replace the insert that directly contacts the powdered substance. This extraction principle prevents flavor crossover by isolating the substance-contact surface on a removable component that can be discarded or thoroughly cleaned without disassembling the entire brewing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component made from inexpensive materials. After use, the insert can be discarded rather than cleaned, ensuring complete elimination of flavor crossover and contamination risks without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms for the entire brewing assembly.
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 the production of beverages like lemonade and other chilled fruit-based drinks using existing brewing equipment, preventing flavor crossover and maintaining hygiene by minimizing particle retention and organism growth.
Implementation Method 1
a downwardly extending projection having first and second sides forming channels with the funnel wall when positioned in the funnel body
Implementation Method 2
the funnel body having a wall that is generally circular in nature but that includes one or more angled or tapered portions or facets
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a funnel assembly for use in a beverage brewing apparatus. The funnel assembly may include an insert that is retained in the funnel assembly to contain a powdered or other similar substance for mixing with liquid within the insert. The insert is configured to extend within a cavity of the funnel assembly and is configured to permit mixing of the substance with the liquid before dispensing the mixture into a portion of the funnel assembly. The insert may include a rim or liquid shield, with at least a portion of the rim or liquid shield engaging a portion of the funnel assembly to retain the insert within the funnel assembly. The insert may further include a flow guide adjacent a drainage aperture, the flow guide at least partially directing the flow of mixture from the insert into a portion of the funnel assembly. The funnel assembly may alternatively itself be formed to contain a powdered or similar substance and permit mixing of the substance with liquid before dispensing.