Moka Funnel Piercing Structure for Hermetic Coffee Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moka-type coffee machines face issues with single-use pods that are not hermetically sealed, leading to coffee quality degradation and difficult cleaning due to protruding elements, which compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A coffee-holding funnel with a tank-shaped portion and piercing means that pierce the bottom of a capsule, allowing water to flow while maintaining safety and ease of use, and a capsule design with a removable cover or integrated piercing elements for efficient brewing and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-use pods are used in moka machines, then ease of use is improved, but coffee quality is degraded due to lack of hermetic closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a hermetic outer casing (second casing) contains the single-use pod (first casing). The pod is placed inside the sealed outer casing, which prevents air contact with the coffee grounds. This nested arrangement preserves coffee quality while maintaining the convenience of single-use pods.
2Ease of operation
If single-use pods are used in moka machines, then ease of use is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to protruding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic protruding piercing elements from the pod structure itself and relocates them to the moka machine's funnel. The funnel is equipped with integrated piercing means that pierce the pod bottom automatically during insertion. This extraction eliminates the need for external protruding elements on the disposable pod, making both the machine and pod easier to clean.
3Ease of operation
If pods are used without hermetic sealing, then ease of use is improved, but organoleptic properties are lost due to air contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where a hermetic outer casing (second casing) contains the single-use pod (first casing). The pod is placed inside the sealed outer casing, which prevents air contact with the coffee grounds. This nested arrangement preserves coffee quality while maintaining the convenience of single-use pods.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer hermetic casing creates an inert atmosphere by sealing the coffee grounds inside, preventing oxidation and contamination from air. This sealed environment preserves the organoleptic properties of the coffee until the moment of brewing, when the piercing elements create controlled access for water.
4Ease of operation
If pods do not completely fill the moka filter, then ease of use is improved, but tamping effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates piercing means in the funnel that automatically pierce the pod bottom during the insertion process. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and sealing before brewing begins, compensating for the pod not completely filling the filter. The pre-piercing action guarantees adequate contact between water and coffee grounds.
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee-holding funnel for moka-type coffee machines and a moka-type coffee machine utilizing such funnel are described. The funnel and the moka are adapted to be used with single-use capsules containing ground coffee.