Piston-Type Infusion Extractor with Removable Insert for Easy Cleanup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction devices, such as French Press coffee makers, face challenges in easy cleanup and efficient separation of infusible materials from extracts, often resulting in messy processes and potential bitterness of the extract due to residual contact with grounds.
Innovation Solution
A piston-type apparatus with a removable insert and plunger element featuring a filtration chamber and peripheral sealing means, allowing for the separation of infusible material from the extract, easy cleanup, and removal of the infusible material without pouring out the extract, utilizing a beveled rim and coupling mechanisms to trap the material between the insert and plunger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plunger with strainer is used to separate infusible material from extract, then separation is achieved, but cleanup becomes messy and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the infusible material from the container by detaching the plunger assembly, which holds the spent grounds in its filtration chamber. This allows removal of the material without pouring out the extract or creating a messy cleanup process, as the grounds are contained within the removable plunger assembly rather than being trapped at the bottom of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger assembly is divided into separable components: the plunger body with filtration chamber, the strainer, and the handle. This segmentation allows the filtration chamber to be detached and emptied easily, enabling clean removal of spent grounds without affecting the extract in the container.
2Ease of operation
If extract is poured out before removing infusible material, then material removal is easier, but extract quality deteriorates due to residual contact
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger assembly is designed with a detachable filtration chamber that can be removed from the container while the extract remains inside. This preliminary arrangement of the removable assembly allows complete separation of infusible material from extract without pouring out the beverage, preventing any residual contact that would cause bitterness.
3Reliability
If infusible material is trapped between strainer and container bottom, then separation is achieved, but cleanup requires removing extract first
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the trapped infusible material by making the plunger assembly removable from the container. The spent grounds are held in the filtration chamber of the plunger, which can be detached and emptied separately. This eliminates the need to pour out the extract for cleanup, saving time and preventing quality deterioration.
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 easy separation and cleanup of infusible materials while maintaining the quality of the extract by preventing residual contact, reducing mess and bitterness, and allowing for efficient removal of spent grounds.
Implementation Method 1
The insert rim also has a peripheral sealing means adapted to prevent infusible material (i.e grounds) from getting to into the space between the insert and the container wall
Implementation Method 2
The insert has a beveled (or sloping) rim adapted to allow infusing materials to slide down into the bottom of the insert and as well as allow infusing material to flow into the space defined between the insert and the container wall
Implementation Method 3
a filtration chamber comprising a) an upper perforated surface with peripheral seal adapted to separate the extract from the infusible material
Data Source
AI summary
A piston-type extraction apparatus and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container with lid and pour spout, a container insert, and plunger element including piston, rod, handle, and filtration chamber. The container insert is designed to catch coffee grounds or other infusible material which may be easily removed from the container when the container is empty or when the extract fluid remains in the container. The filtration chamber is adapted for use with a paper filter. The plunger element may temporarily couple with the insert to allow the insert to be pulled up through the container with the grounds of other infusible material captured between the insert and the plunger element allowing for quick and easy cleanup. The extraction apparatus is adapted for a use in a variety of sizes and may be adapted for manufactured at low cost.