Reusable Beverage Brewer Insert for Cartridge Waste Reduction
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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.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If disposable 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 brewing device and a separate filter element. The filter can be removed and replaced independently, allowing users to use different filters for different beverage types while keeping the main brewing device. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring complete cartridge replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding entire cartridges, the system allows recovery and reuse of the brewing device body while only the filter element needs replacement. The reusable brewing device can be cleaned and used repeatedly, reducing waste while maintaining beverage variety through filter changes.
2Ease of operation
If disposable cartridges are used, then brewing operation is simple, but environmental impact increases due to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is extracted as a separate removable component from the brewing device. This allows the filtering function to be replaced without affecting the main brewing mechanism, which can be reused. Users simply replace the filter element rather than the entire cartridge, reducing waste while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing device is designed with universal compatibility to work with different types of filters and beverage media. A single brewing device can accommodate various filters for coffee, tea, and other beverages, reducing the need for multiple specialized cartridges and thereby reducing waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable brewing device is used, then waste is reduced and versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed to nest within the brewing device body. The filter fits into a designated chamber or holder within the device, creating a compact nested structure. This nesting approach allows the filter to be removable for replacement while maintaining a simple integrated appearance during use, avoiding excessive complexity.
4Loss of substance
If reusable brewing device is used, then environmental impact is reduced, but cleaning and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is extracted as a removable component that can be easily taken out for replacement or cleaning. This extraction design allows users to remove the filter without disassembling the entire brewing device, significantly reducing cleaning effort while still enabling waste reduction through filter reuse or selective replacement.
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 consumers to brew a variety of beverages using any desired dry medium without waste, as the device is designed for repeated use and easy cleaning, accommodating different brewing preferences and reducing environmental impact.
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 is configured for use with a beverage brewer having an inlet probe for dispensing water and an outlet probe. The beverage brewing device includes a body defining a brew chamber configured to contain a dry beverage medium and at least one outlet probe receptacle defined in the body and extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the body. The at least one 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.