Beverage machine filters and portafilters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage brewing systems, particularly those for espresso, are limited by fixed-size portafilters that cannot accommodate brewing volumes larger than a double espresso shot, restricting the versatility in beverage production.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a portafilter with multiple baskets of varying volumes (105 mL to 135 mL, 43 mL to 63 mL, and 32 mL to 52 mL) that allow for both pressurized and unpressurized brewing methods, equipped with sensors and magnets for basket detection, and a housing with storage and tray configurations for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size portafilter is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different beverage sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different beverage sizesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portafilter is divided into a main body and multiple interchangeable baskets of different sizes. Each basket can be removed and replaced with another, allowing the same portafilter to accommodate single espresso, double espresso, and larger beverage volumes. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring multiple complete portafilter units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portafilter system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. The universal portafilter body can work with different basket types (pressurized and unpressurized) and sizes, making it adaptable for various beverage preparations from single shots to larger servings, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple baskets are added to the portafilter, then the versatility of brewing different beverage sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrewing capability for different beverage sizesVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple baskets of different sizes are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The smaller baskets can be stored inside larger baskets, and all baskets fit within the portafilter body. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space required to store multiple components, reducing the overall device footprint and complexity despite having multiple functional elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250235030A1Beverage machine filters and portafilters

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

Various illustrative systems, devices, and methods for beverage machines are provided. In one exemplary implementation, a system includes a portafilter and a plurality of baskets. The portafilter is configured to be removably coupled to an espresso machine. The plurality of baskets each define a filter, each is removably receivable in the portafilter, and each is configured to hold coffee grounds. The plurality of baskets including a first basket, a second basket, and a third basket. The third basket has a volume that is about 105 mL to 135 mL. The third basket is configured to permit brewing of a beverage using pressurized and unpressurized brewing methods.