Beverage brewing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage brewers rely on disposable cartridges, limiting beverage selection and causing unnecessary waste, as consumers are restricted to available cartridges and must discard them after use.
Innovation Solution
A reusable beverage brewing device with a cup-shaped body, filter, and adjustable outlet probe receptacles that can be used with any dry beverage medium, allowing for multiple uses and compatibility with various brewers, featuring a filter to retain the medium while allowing brewed beverages to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable beverage cartridges are used, then beverage brewing is simplified and reliable, but beverage selection is limited and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system is divided into a reusable brewer unit and replaceable beverage containers (cartridges or refillable). This segmentation allows the brewing mechanism to remain reliable while the container can be customized with different beverage types, resolving the contradiction between brewing reliability and beverage selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewer unit is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of beverage containers (single-use cartridges and refillable containers). This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain reliable brewing performance across different beverage types while expanding beverage selection options for the user.
2Ease of operation
If disposable cartridges are used, then brewing operation is simple, but waste is generated and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system offers refillable beverage containers that can be recovered and reused multiple times, eliminating the need to discard containers after single use. Users can refill the same container with different beverage types, maintaining brewing simplicity while dramatically reducing waste generation compared to disposable cartridges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reusable brewing device is used, then beverage selection is expanded and waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable brewing device incorporates adjustable outlet probe receptacles that can be positioned at different heights and locations. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to adapt to different beverage container types and brewing requirements, expanding beverage options while managing device complexity through flexible, reconfigurable components rather than multiple fixed systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If outlet probe receptacles are made adjustable, then compatibility with different brewers is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet probe receptacle system is segmented into multiple discrete, independently adjustable receptacles rather than a single fixed structure. Each receptacle can be individually positioned and adjusted to match different probe locations across various brewer models, improving compatibility while reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic precision-critical component.
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 the use of any desired dry beverage medium with a single device, reducing waste and expanding beverage options, while maintaining efficient brewing and easy cleaning due to its design and filter configuration.
Implementation Method 1
At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The beverage brewing device, which is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe, includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The outlet probe receptacle is sized and configured to receive an outlet probe of a beverage brewer. A lid is removably securable to the body and is engageable with the body to selectively enclose a top opening of the body. An inlet probe opening is defined in the lid for receiving an inlet probe of the beverage brewer. At least one filter is defined within in the body, wherein the filter is configured to retain a dry beverage medium within the brew chamber while allowing a brewed beverage to pass through the brew chamber.