Motorized Filter Basket Infusion Device to Reduce Infusion Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion devices for unheated fluids are cumbersome, require long infusion times, and are difficult to clean, lacking flexibility for both loose and packaged infusion materials, and often lead to bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable liquid infusion device with a rotating or agitating filter basket that enhances fluid flow and turbulence, using a motorized system to reduce infusion time and facilitate easy cleaning, compatible with both hot and cold infusion processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional unheated infusion methods are used, then infusion time is long, but the device structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The filter basket is designed to rotate dynamically during infusion, transforming a static device into a dynamic one. The rotation mechanism agitates the infusion material, enhancing contact between liquid and material to accelerate infusion while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating filter basket creates mechanical agitation and turbulence in the liquid, similar to vibration effects. This mechanical movement increases the infusion rate by disrupting the boundary layer around infusion material particles, allowing faster extraction without complex heating or pressurization systems
2Ease of operation
If the device is made compact and portable, then ease of use improves, but cleaning accessibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including the filter basket, lid assembly, and base. The filter basket can be removed independently for cleaning, and the lid assembly detaches to provide access to internal surfaces, maintaining compact dimensions while ensuring all areas remain cleanable
Solution Approach 2:
The filter basket is designed as a removable component that can be taken out from the main body for separate cleaning. This extraction of the most difficult-to-clean component allows thorough washing without disassembling the entire compact device structure
3Productivity
If a motorized agitation system is added, then infusion speed increases, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is integrated into the lid structure, merging the agitation function with an existing component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate motor housings and control units, increasing infusion speed through mechanical agitation while keeping the device footprint compact
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the container, houses the motor for agitation, and provides structural support for the filter basket. This multi-functionality increases infusion productivity through motorized agitation without requiring additional space for separate components
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 device significantly reduces infusion time, ensures cleanliness, and provides flexibility for various infusion materials, while maintaining a compact footprint and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The motor assembly includes a drive element, and a motor configured to selectively impart motion to the drive element... When the motor assembly is actuated, the filter basket is rotated or otherwise agitated by the motor assembly, increasing the flow and/or turbulence of the liquid infusion
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid infusion device includes a container, a container collar, a lid assembly, and a filter basket. The container has an open top, a closed sidewall, and a closed bottom. The container collar has a collar opening and is configured to couple to a rim of the open top. The lid assembly is configured to cover at least a portion of the collar opening. The filter basket is configured to hold infusion material and to be suspended from the lid assembly and into an interior of the container. The filter basket includes an open top, a bottom, and a sidewall having an opening. The infusion device can include a motor configured to impart motion to the filter basket.