Infusion package and assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tea and coffee infusion bags require separate stirrers and often retain water, leading to a messy removal and uneven infusion of materials into liquids.
Innovation Solution
An infusion package with a permeable membrane and a longitudinally extending rigid member that enhances rigidity and functionality, allowing it to act as a stirrer and retain additives until submerged in liquid, where the infusible material expands and releases the additives into the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sealed porous bags are used for infusion, then the infusible material can be easily disposed of, but a separate stirrer is required and the infusion distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infusion bag and stirrer into a single integrated structure. The rigid member extends from the sealed end of the permeable membrane, creating a unified object that performs both infusion and stirring functions, eliminating the need for separate stirrers and tags
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion package serves multiple functions: it holds the infusible material, acts as a stirrer through its rigid member, and provides a handle for manipulation. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional separate components (bag, stirrer, tag) with a single versatile device
2Ease of operation
If traditional tea bags are used, then they are convenient for infusion, but they retain water and create mess when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate shape with a rigid member creates a dynamic structure that can be manipulated to control water retention. The rigid member provides structural support that allows the user to lift and remove the bag more effectively, reducing water retention and mess compared to traditional flexible bags
3Device complexity
If traditional square or rectangular tea bags are used, then they are simple in structure, but they do not provide adequate rigidity for stirring
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion package is segmented into distinct functional zones: the permeable membrane portion for infusion and the rigid member portion for stirring and handling. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The package combines different material properties: a flexible permeable membrane for infusion and a rigid material for the stirring member. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for infusion and the rigidity required for effective stirring
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 infusion package provides a self-contained, multipurpose solution that eliminates the need for separate stirrers and minimizes mess by allowing the rigid member to enhance rigidity and evenly distribute infusible materials and additives into liquids.
Implementation Method 1
when at least a portion of the infusion package is submerged in a liquid to allow the infusible material to infuse therein, the infusible material expands enhancing the rigidity of the infusion package
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion package is disclosed comprising a permeable membrane defining an elongate cavity to hold an infusible material; and at least one rigid member extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the cavity such that the rigid member is retained by at least a portion of the permeable membrane.