Personal Pod Maker With Pivot Sealing for Custom Fresh Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pod-based brewing systems limit users to pre-selected coffee types and may not provide freshly ground coffee, as they require little cleaning and are not easily customizable.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight personal pod making system that allows users to create custom coffee or tea pods using a base with a pivotable sealing tool and water-permeable packaging material, enabling easy alignment and sealing of the pod packaging material, and a method to form two hingedly connected circular portions for holding ground coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-packaged coffee pods are used for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as users are limited to manufacturer selections
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the brewing process into separate functions: a reusable brewing device and disposable filter papers with pre-measured coffee. This segmentation allows users to choose different coffee types by simply changing the filter paper, maintaining convenience while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different filter papers with various coffee types. The device itself becomes multi-functional, supporting both the convenience of pre-packaged pods and the versatility of user choice through interchangeable filter papers.
2Ease of operation
If pre-packaged coffee pods are used for minimal cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates as coffee is not freshly ground
Solution Approach 1:
Coffee is pre-measured and pre-packaged in filter papers before use, but the critical grinding action is performed immediately before brewing by the user. This preliminary packaging maintains freshness while the final grinding occurs at the moment of brewing, preserving flavor quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable filter papers that contain pre-measured coffee. These single-use components eliminate the need for cleaning the brewing device while ensuring fresh coffee preparation, as each new filter paper contains freshly ground or pre-ground coffee ready for immediate use.
3Weight of moving object
If a compact pod making system is designed for portability, then weight is reduced, but device complexity increases due to alignment and sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The filter paper design incorporates self-aligning features such as tabs and slots that automatically position the coffee grounds correctly in the brewing chamber. The folding and sealing mechanisms are designed to self-assemble through simple user actions, reducing the need for complex alignment tools and mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible filter papers made of thin film materials that can be easily folded, shaped, and sealed. These thin-film components are lightweight and can be manipulated by simple mechanical actions, avoiding the need for heavy, complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining portability.
4Manufacturing precision
If a receptacle with specific dimensions is used for pod formation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it limits pod size variations
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing device incorporates adjustable components, such as movable walls or removable inserts, that allow the receptacle dimensions to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the same device to accommodate different pod sizes while maintaining precise formation through controlled geometric constraints during the sealing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with modular or segmented components that can be reconfigured for different pod sizes. By dividing the receptacle into adjustable sections, the system maintains manufacturing precision for each size while providing adaptability across multiple pod dimensions.
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 users to create custom beverage pods with reduced user manipulation and handling, providing a portable solution for making fresh coffee or tea pods at home or outdoors, offering more choices and preserving flavor.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is configured to heat the filter paper
Implementation Method 2
a water permeable packaging material
Data Source
AI summary
A compact and lightweight personal pod making system is provided. The pod making system has a base for receiving a pod packaging material and a sealing tool pivotably connected to the base. The system can be used at home, in the office and even outdoors. A pod package assembly that can be used in conjunction with the personal pod making system is also provided. The pod package assembly can include a cup-like holder that is hingedly connected to a cover so that it is relatively easy for users to align the cover when sealing the pod.