Safety and cleaning device for single cup coffee maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single serve brewing machines suffer from residue accumulation and pod explosions due to inadequate cleaning and design flaws, leading to compromised beverage quality and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device and improved pod/cup design with apertures and a flow diverter that allows for easy cleaning without dismantling the machine, and a modified canister with multiple puncture needles to reduce pressure and prevent explosions, along with a reusable and refillable pod/cup that minimizes over-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single puncture needle is used in the canister, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pod may over-pressurize and explode during brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The single puncture needle is segmented into multiple needles arranged in a circular pattern. This segmentation distributes the water flow across multiple entry points, preventing over-pressurization of the pod while maintaining a simple overall structure that integrates seamlessly into the existing canister design.
2Reliability
If the canister is cleaned frequently to remove residue, then beverage quality is improved, but the time and effort required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tablet is pre-loaded into the pod chamber before use. When hot water is poured into the chamber, the tablet automatically dissolves and begins cleaning the canister interior. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate manual cleaning steps, maintaining beverage quality without requiring additional time investment from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-executing. The effervescent tablet reacts with hot water to produce cleaning solution that automatically circulates through the canister, dissolving residue and cleaning surfaces without human intervention. The system cleans itself during the brewing process, converting maintenance from a manual task into an automated function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If descaling solution is used to clean the canister, then residue removal is effective, but the cleaning process becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent transitions from a liquid descaling solution requiring manual application to an effervescent tablet that dissolves in hot water. This parameter change in the physical state of the cleaning agent simplifies the cleaning process—the user simply pours hot water into the chamber and the tablet does the rest, eliminating the need for separate application and rinsing steps while maintaining effective residue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses a disposable effervescent tablet instead of reusable liquid descaling solution. The tablet is inexpensive, single-use, and eliminates the need for complex application procedures. After use, the tablet is discarded with the pod, simplifying the cleaning process to a single action of pouring hot water into the chamber.
4Reliability
If the pod/cup is sealed airtight to preserve contents, then beverage freshness is improved, but the pod may over-pressurize during brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The single water entry point is segmented into multiple needles that distribute water flow across the pod. This segmentation creates multiple controlled pathways for water entry, preventing pressure buildup while maintaining the pod's airtight seal for freshness preservation during storage and transport.
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
Facilitates quick and effective cleaning of single serve brewing machines, improving beverage quality and reducing the risk of pod explosions, while maintaining convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning device includes an effervescent cleaning tablet contained within the pod/cup that reacts with hot water to create a cleaning solution
Implementation Method 2
The canister is modified to include multiple puncture needles that distribute water flow evenly across the pod surface, preventing localized over-pressurization
Implementation Method 3
hot water to flow through the pod, that is through the top needle, through the ground coffee (or other beverage making substance)
Implementation Method 4
through the filter (used to keep grinds and other flavoring substances/solids in the pod from exiting the pod and going into the cup of beverage)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a product and method for conveniently cleaning a single cup brewing machine's pod/cup canister. The present invention is also an improved pod/cup that reduces the chance for over pressurization and unwanted explosions during the brewing process. The pod/cup according to the invention is designed in the same general shape and configuration as a pod/cup intended to be used in the machine with a plurality of apertures in the side of the pod. This invention also includes an improved machine canister with a plurality of piercing pins. Still further, the invention includes a new cup puncture device with puncture pins or blades that can be used on the pod prior to insertion into the canister.