Machine for preparing infused beverages provided with a lift-up filter basket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for preparing infused or macerated beverages have unstable drip positions and inconvenient lid-filter basket separation, making handling and cleaning difficult.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a filter basket connected to a lid via a coupling device, allowing stable transition between infusion and draining positions, and a rotatable lid with a spring-return mechanism for ergonomic operation, along with a T-cleat sliding member and groove for easy extraction and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the filter basket is made separable from the lid, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cleaningVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter basket is divided into two separable parts: the basket itself and the lid. The coupling device allows easy separation while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables independent cleaning of each component without requiring disassembly of the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between ease of cleaning and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lid is made movable between closed and open positions, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the filter basket position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability of filter basket position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with dynamic movement capability between closed and open positions through a hinge mechanism. This dynamic design allows the lid to adapt to different operational states (brewing vs. draining) while the coupling device ensures the filter basket remains stable in each position, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures a stable dripping position, prevents contamination during handling, and allows for easy removal and cleaning of the filter basket without spills, enhancing ergonomics and simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

the carafe having a means of returning the lid to the closed or open position... the return means includes a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the filter basket is in the brewing position when the lid is in the closed position and the filter basket is in the draining position when the lid is in the open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3937738B1Machine for preparing infused beverages provided with a lift-up filter basket
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 SEB SA
  • EP3937738B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3937738B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3937738B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a machine for preparing infused or macerated beverages (1) comprising a decanter (20) for receiving a liquid and a receiving base (2), the receiving base (2) comprising a motor (4) intended to rotate a drive shaft (3a, 3b) about an axis Δ, the decanter (20) comprising a filter basket (40) for receiving an ingredient to be infused or macerated that is rotated by the drive shaft (3a, 3b) about the axis Δ, the filter basket (40) being able to move in the decanter (20) between an infusion position in which the filter basket (40) is submerged in the liquid and coupled with the drive shaft (3a, 3b) and a draining position in which the filter basket (40) is arranged above the level of the liquid, the decanter (20) comprising a top opening (23) and a lid (60) that is movable between a closed position in which the lid (60) covers the top opening (23) and an open position in which the lid (60) is separated from the top opening (23). According to the invention, the filter basket (40) is connected to the lid (60) by a coupling device (55, 69), such that the filter basket (40) is in the infusion position when the lid (60) is in the closed position and the filter basket (40) is in the draining position when the lid (60) is in the open position, the open position of the lid (60) being a stable position.