Infusion Extractor Plunger with Staged Filtration to Prevent Clogging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solvent extraction apparatuses, such as French press coffee makers, are limited in handling fine infusible material particles due to clogging issues, leading to inefficient extraction processes with longer times and potential over- or under-extraction of infusible material, resulting in undesirable extract quality.
Innovation Solution
An improved extract separation apparatus featuring a plunger element with vertically oriented inner walls and extract flow openings, including filter elements and vent openings, that allows for efficient separation of infusible material from the extract by controlling the flow and preventing clogging, enabling faster and more consistent extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fine infusible material particles are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency and consistency are improved, but clogging of filtering means occurs leading to slower processing
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering means is divided into multiple stages with different aperture sizes. The first filtering means has a larger aperture to prevent clogging, while the second filtering means has a smaller aperture for fine filtration. This segmentation allows the system to handle fine particles efficiently without clogging, maintaining both extraction efficiency and reasonable processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the filtering system have different aperture characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first filtering means is located at the lower end to handle bulk separation, while the second filtering means is at the upper end for fine particle removal. This local differentiation of filtering characteristics optimizes both productivity and time management.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fine infusible material particles are used for extraction, then extraction consistency is improved, but clogging of filtering means occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering system is segmented into two distinct stages with different aperture sizes. The first filtering means with larger aperture prevents clogging and maintains reliability, while the second filtering means with smaller aperture ensures extraction consistency by removing fine particles. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between consistency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first filtering means acts as an intermediary element between the extraction chamber and the second filtering means. It pre-filters the extract to remove large particles that would cause clogging, protecting the second filtering means and maintaining system reliability while allowing fine particle extraction for consistency.
3Reliability
If larger infusible material particles are used for extraction, then clogging is reduced, but over-extraction of outer surface and under-extraction of inner core occur
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process benefits from segmented filtration where the first filtering means allows larger particles to pass without clogging, maintaining reliability, while the second filtering means ensures uniform extraction by removing particles that would otherwise cause inconsistency. This two-stage approach resolves the contradiction between reliability and extraction uniformity.
4Productivity
If extraction time is extended to handle fine particles, then extraction completeness is improved, but over-extraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The first filtering means performs preliminary filtration by removing large particles before the extract reaches the second filtering means. This preliminary action prevents clogging and allows for optimized extraction time that achieves completeness without over-extraction, maintaining extract quality while improving productivity.
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 apparatus enables faster and more consistent extraction of infusible material, reducing over- or under-extraction issues, improving the quality of the extract by controlling particle size and flow, thus enhancing the extraction process efficiency and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
sealing means situated at one or more edges of said first surface, wherein said sealing means are adapted for sealing engagement with the one or more inner walls of the infusing container
Implementation Method 2
a second surface extending from said first surface and defining a second chamber, said second surface comprising one or more extract flow openings, wherein said one or more extract flow openings are adapted to permit flow of extract from said first chamber into said second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible material and extract. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber; the second surface includes extract flow openings which permit flow of extract from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.