Manual Espresso Maker Using Gear-Driven Plunger for Portable Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee consumers lack access to a compact, manually operated espresso maker that allows them to enjoy their preferred texture, aroma, and flavor of coffee during outdoor activities or away from automated power sources.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated liquid infusing apparatus comprising a body, gear box, lead screw, hand crank, valve body, plunger, pressure cylinder, portafilter frame, removable particulate basket, carafe, and tamper, which utilizes manually generated pressure to extract different textures, aromas, and flavors from particulate coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional electrically powered espresso machine is used, then espresso can be produced with controlled pressure and temperature, but the apparatus becomes substantial in size and weight requiring plumbing and electrical supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical power source, water supply plumbing, and temperature control systems from traditional espresso machines, extracting only the essential function of forcing water through coffee under pressure. This is achieved by using manual operation to generate the necessary pressure, eliminating the need for heavy electrical components and plumbing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical motor-driven pump system with a manual mechanical system. The user operates a hand crank connected to a gear mechanism that drives a plunger to force water through the coffee grounds, substituting electrical mechanical energy with human mechanical energy input.
2Weight of moving object
If a compact manually operated espresso maker is created, then portability is improved, but the ability to maintain consistent pressure and temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic pressure regulation system where a spring-loaded valve adjusts the pressure during operation. As the plunger compresses the coffee grounds, the spring gradually compresses and the valve adjusts to maintain relatively consistent extraction pressure despite the manual input variations, allowing the system to adapt during the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a spring mechanism that changes its mechanical properties during operation. The spring compression ratio and stiffness are designed to compensate for pressure variations, transforming the direct manual input into a more controlled pressure output that maintains extraction consistency throughout the brewing cycle.
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 espresso coffee with controlled pressure and texture outside traditional settings, providing a portable and efficient means to enjoy preferred coffee qualities.
Implementation Method 1
the lead screw 60 defines threads 65 in an outer circumferential surface 64... rotation of the hand crank 140 is mechanically communicated to the lead screw 60 to axially move the lead screw 60
Implementation Method 2
carrying a spider ring spring 120 that positionally biases a portion of the valve body 85 relative to a plunger 70... the spider ring spring 120 may bias the plunger 70 in a direction away from engagement with the valve body 85
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for infusing a liquid that may be espresso, generally provides a body having a gear box at one end portion of the body, a lead screw and a hand crank mechanically communicating with the gearbox, and a valve body and plunger carried at an end portion of the lead screw opposite the gearbox for axial, and non-rotational, movement within a medial chamber defined by an insulated pressure cylinder, the pressure cylinder releasably engaged with a removable a portafilter frame, opposite the gearbox, that carries a removable particulate basket therein, and a carafe releasably engaged with the porta filter frame opposite the pressure cylinder, and a tamper for compressing particulate in the particulate basket.