Portable Coffee Brewer with Manual Pump for On-the-Go Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee brewing systems are not portable, making it difficult for individuals to brew coffee on the go, and existing personal coffee makers are bulky and lack the convenience of being able to brew coffee at any location.
Innovation Solution
A portable coffee brewing system comprising a container, a lid assembly with a pump, and a coffee grounds basket, where the pump alternates between drawing air and pushing air to move liquid through the coffee grounds for brewing, allowing for brewing at any location without the need for a power source or extensive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional coffee brewing systems are used, then coffee brewing capability is provided, but portability is poor and the device is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee brewing system is divided into separable components: a collapsible water reservoir, a brewing chamber with coffee grounds basket, and a pump mechanism. These segments can be stored separately or collapsed together, dramatically reducing volume when not in use while maintaining full brewing capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber and coffee grounds basket are designed to nest within the water reservoir when collapsed. The pump mechanism integrates into the brewing chamber structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the portable system while preserving all necessary brewing functions.
2Ease of operation
If a pump mechanism is added to enable portability, then brewing capability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user through simple pumping motions. This eliminates the need for electrical power sources, batteries, or complex electronic controls. The system serves itself by using the user's direct physical input to drive the brewing process, maintaining simplicity while enabling portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual pump uses basic pneumatic-hydraulic principles to move water from the reservoir through the coffee grounds and into the brewing chamber. This mechanical fluid transfer mechanism replaces complex electrical pumping systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to brew coffee anywhere.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed for portability, then it can be used anywhere, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water reservoir uses a collapsible flexible membrane or thin-walled structure that can be compressed and folded. This flexible design enables portability without requiring heavy reinforcement or complex rigid structures, keeping manufacturing costs low while allowing the system to be used anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible design. The flexible reservoir and movable brewing chamber adapt their volume based on usage needs, enabling portability without permanent bulk. This dynamic approach reduces material requirements and manufacturing complexity compared to always-expanded rigid designs.
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 system provides a convenient, portable, and efficient means to brew high-quality coffee at any time, using minimal power and featuring a durable design that is easy to use and clean, with the ability to accommodate K-cups and operate without leaking.
Implementation Method 1
the pump alternates between drawing air out from upper end of tube pushing air into upper end of tube. When air is drawn out from tube, lower pressure in tube draws liquid in container into basket, through coffee grounds, and into lower end of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A portable coffee brewing system includes a container, a lid assembly, a pump positioned within a hollow interior of lid assemble, a basket configured to hold an amount of coffee grounds and a tube fluidically connecting the pump to the basket. The lid assembly is connected adjacent the upper end of the container. The tube has an upper end of the tube fluidically connected to the pump and a lower end fluidically connected to the basket. When activated, the pump moves fluid via the tube to cause liquid in the hollow interior of the container to be moved through the amount of coffee grounds in the hollow interior of the basket thereby brewing coffee.