Pack for extracting a coffee beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee beverage preparation methods are inconvenient, time-consuming, and require frequent cleaning and paper filter replacement, with capsule systems being costly and inefficient in terms of space and operation.
Innovation Solution
A disposable coffee pack with a fitment assembly and filtering element, made from flexible, impermeable sheets, that allows for easy preparation and extraction of coffee using a machine, which automatically adapts extraction parameters and minimizes user input, featuring a reversible design and identification means for optimized brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disposable pack with fitment assembly and filtering element is used, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a disposable pack containing coffee and filter, and a reusable machine body. The pack itself is segmented into an inlet chamber, filtering element, and outlet duct, allowing each component to be optimized independently and replaced as needed without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pack is designed as a disposable component that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. By concentrating the consumable elements (coffee, filter) into a single disposable unit, the system eliminates the need for cleaning and maintenance of these components, significantly improving ease of operation while the reusable machine body handles only the water delivery and reception functions.
2Productivity
If manual coffee preparation is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The pack is pre-prepared with coffee grounds and filter in the correct configuration before use. The inlet chamber is pre-formed with piercable lids, and the outlet duct is pre-positioned. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming steps of manually assembling components, dosing coffee, and setting up filters during the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pack is designed to be self-contained and self-explaining, with identification means that automatically communicate brewing parameters to the machine. The piercable lids self-seal after piercing, and the gravity-fed outlet duct automatically directs flow without requiring user intervention. This self-service design minimizes user input while maximizing brewing speed and consistency.
3Ease of operation
If capsules are used for coffee preparation, then ease of operation is improved, but cost and volume of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pack uses flexible sheets to form a collapsible container that conforms to the coffee grounds and filter. As water is added and brewing occurs, the flexible pack collapses inward, minimizing the volume occupied during and after brewing. This is more space-efficient than rigid capsules while maintaining the same ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pack design allows for optimization of the coffee-to-water ratio and brewing parameters specific to different coffee types. The identification means enable the machine to adjust brewing parameters automatically. This flexibility allows for more efficient extraction with less water and coffee waste compared to fixed-volume capsules, reducing the quantity of substance needed while maintaining ease of use.
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 solution enables quick, efficient, and optimized coffee preparation with reduced user effort, minimal cleaning requirements, and reduced environmental impact, while providing optimal in-cup results and minimizing storage space.
Implementation Method 1
the infused hot water being then deposited by gravity into a carafe below
Implementation Method 2
a pump which sends the heated water into a container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Pack (100) having an inner volume in which a coffee ingredient is stored and from which a coffee beverage is extracted when a fluid is introduced inside the pack (100), said inner volume being defined by sheets of material joined to one another at their edges, such that the inner volume presents a generally plane shape, said pack (100) comprising an inlet chamber (120) configured to accommodate an inflow of fluid for flowing through the coffee ingredient to extract a coffee beverage and at least one outlet duct (12) for delivering the coffee beverage from said inner volume, said inlet chamber (120) and said outlet duct (12) being positioned at the bottom of the pack (100), the pack (100) further comprising a compartmental channel (250) and a filtering element (30) configured in such a way that they define a dedicated chamber inside the volume of the pack where the coffee ingredient is confined, the filtering element (30) being further configured for preventing the particles of the coffee ingredient from entering the outlet duct (12) when fluid is introduced in the pack and the coffee beverage is extracted, thus preventing these particles from being delivered together with the coffee beverage.