Reusable Brewing Cup With Multi-Direction Water Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee brewing methods, particularly single-serving systems, often result in under-brewed coffee due to limited water distribution patterns, leading to 'dead zones' in the coffee grounds, and lack reusable and efficient brewing solutions for consumable liquids.

Innovation Solution

A reusable single-serving cup design with a liquid distribution system that directs water in multiple directions, including at least 3 directions away from the vertical axis, ensuring even extraction of brewing materials, and a brewing apparatus that accommodates such cups for efficient brewing of coffee and other consumable liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If water is introduced through a single vertical axis in single-serving brewing systems, then the brewing process is simple to operate, but dead zones form in the coffee grounds resulting in under-brewed coffee

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of brewing processVSAvoidbrewing completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid distribution system is segmented into multiple outlets arranged in a circular pattern, with each outlet directing liquid in a different radial direction. This segmentation of the single vertical water flow into multiple directional streams eliminates dead zones in the coffee grounds while maintaining simple operation through an automated brewing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If reusable brewing apparatus are designed to be loaded and reloaded with brewing materials, then brewing efficiency and versatility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrewing efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing apparatus is designed with universal components including a reusable cup, removable lid, and interchangeable brewing materials (coffee, tea, cocoa, herbs, spices). This multi-functionality allows the same device to brew various consumable liquids efficiently without increasing structural complexity, as all components work together in a standardized system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures a more complete brewing process by evenly distributing water throughout the coffee grounds, resulting in a richer, darker coffee and allows for the efficient brewing and reloading of consumable liquids, enhancing the brewing experience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid distribution system that directs water in multiple directions, including at least 3 directions away from the vertical axis, ensuring even extraction of brewing materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid distribution:

Implementation Method 2

a filter internally subdivides the housing into a first chamber accessible via the top opening and configured and dimensioned to contain the brewing material, and a second chamber communicating with the outlet port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10252854B2Apparatus and products for producing beverages, and methods for making and using same

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 UNIVERSAL COFFEE LLC

AI summary

A brewing container for use with brewing machines, the container including a distribution outlet for dispersing the injected water in at least 3 directions away from vertical within the cartridge.