Reusable Coffee Holder With Offset Passage for Needle Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single serving coffee makers rely on expensive disposable cartridges, which exceed the cost of the brewing material, necessitating a cost-effective reusable solution for brewing coffee.
Innovation Solution
A reusable coffee holder with a mesh filtering material, featuring an offset passage for compatibility with single serving coffee makers, allowing the use of metal or plastic mesh to retain brewing material and accommodate the offset bottom needle, enabling the holder to be used in existing single serving coffee makers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable cartridges are used in single serving coffee makers, then brewing functionality is ensured, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the reverse principle by creating a reusable holder instead of disposable cartridges. The holder contains removable brewing material packets that can be replaced, combining the ease of disposal with long-term reusability of the expensive holder component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a reusable holder and replaceable brewing material packets. This allows the expensive filtering mechanism to be reused while only the consumable brewing material is replaced, significantly reducing overall cost.
2Quantity of substance
If a reusable holder is introduced, then cost is reduced, but compatibility with existing coffee makers must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with universal compatibility features including a frustoconical shape and specific passage configurations that allow it to work with multiple single-serving coffee maker systems, particularly those with offset bottom needles.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder has specific localized features such as an offset passage positioned at particular locations to accommodate the offset bottom needle, while other portions of the holder maintain general compatibility. This localized adaptation enables compatibility without compromising the reusable design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an offset passage is added to accommodate the offset bottom needle, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates an asymmetric offset passage that is positioned off-center to accommodate the offset bottom needle. This asymmetric design is simple in form but effectively solves the compatibility issue with offset needle systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset passage introduces a positional dimension change, moving the passage opening from a centered position to an offset position. This dimensional adjustment allows the needle to access the brewing chamber without requiring complex internal mechanisms.
4Productivity
If mesh filtering material is used, then brewing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder uses mesh filtering material with controlled porosity to enable efficient water flow and brewing. The mesh structure is commercially available and can be integrated into the holder using standard manufacturing techniques, balancing performance with manufacturability.
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 reusable coffee holder provides a cost-effective alternative to disposable cartridges by allowing the use of metal or plastic mesh filtering material, enabling efficient brewing while being compatible with existing coffee makers, thus reducing waste and long-term costs.
Implementation Method 1
The reusable coffee holder includes an offset passage in the bottom of the base and is insertable into a cartridge housing of a single serving coffee maker having an offset bottom needle reaching up vertically from the base of the housing, the offset passage providing clearance for the offset bottom needle. The coffee holder defines a frustoconical exterior and includes mesh filtering material for retaining brewing material inside the reusable coffee holder.
Data Source
AI summary
A single serving beverage filter cartridge is formed by placing a single serving portion of brewing material into a reusable coffee holder having a lid and a base. The reusable coffee holder includes an offset passage in the bottom of the base and is insertable into a cartridge housing of a single serving coffee maker having an offset bottom needle reaching up vertically from the base of the housing, the offset passage providing clearance for the offset bottom needle. The coffee holder defines a frustoconical exterior and includes mesh filtering material for retaining brewing material inside the reusable coffee holder. The mesh material may be a metal mesh or plastic mesh. The reusable coffee holder is configured for use in single serving coffee makers having the offset bottom needle and designed for single use cartridges.