Single serve coffee maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-serve coffee makers face issues with waste generation due to non-recyclable pod packaging and inferior coffee quality from pre-ground beans, while manual brewing methods require timed interaction and manual dexterity, leading to suboptimal flavor.
Innovation Solution
A single-serve coffee brewer that uses a compostable package-as-filter containing pre-measured whole coffee beans, which can be ground and brewed without manual dexterity, allowing for customizable brew properties and easy composting of spent coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single-use coffee pods are used, then brewing speed and convenience are improved, but waste generation and difficulty of recycling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the packaging container and the coffee filter into a single integrated component. The pouch that holds the coffee grounds also serves as the filter, eliminating the need for separate filter components and reducing overall waste while maintaining single-serve convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the coffee container during storage, becomes the filter during brewing, and acts as the disposal unit after use. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the waste stream.
2Ease of operation
If pre-ground coffee is used in pods, then brewing simplicity is improved, but coffee quality and flavor deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee is pre-ground and pre-dosed into the pouch before use, performing the preparation action in advance. This maintains brewing simplicity while allowing the user to control the timing of grinding, ensuring fresh coffee is ground only when needed for each cup.
3Reliability
If manual pour-over brewing is used, then coffee quality control is improved, but ease of operation and required manual dexterity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system performs the complex pouring and timing actions automatically without requiring user skill. The machine controls water flow, temperature, and contact time, allowing anyone to produce high-quality coffee without manual dexterity or timing expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical skill of pour-over pouring is replaced by an automated mechanical system that precisely controls water delivery. This substitution removes the need for user skill while maintaining or improving brewing consistency and quality.
4Reliability
If immersion-style brewing with manual timing is used, then coffee quality can be controlled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required user action
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing system incorporates automatic timing and sensing mechanisms that monitor the brewing process and adjust parameters accordingly. This feedback system ensures optimal extraction and brewing quality without requiring the user to manually time or monitor the process.
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 provides a high-quality, customizable coffee experience with minimal waste, eliminating the need for manual timing and dexterity, while ensuring better coffee flavor and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The grinder may be a blade grinder, a conical burr grinder, a flat burr grinder, or any other type of grinder known in the art.
Implementation Method 2
The water may be heated using a heater, such as a tankless heater, to the desired temperature.
Implementation Method 3
The pump may be any type of pump known in the art, such as a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a gear pump, or a piston pump.
Implementation Method 4
The filter may be a miniature filter, designed to retain ground coffee for a single serving of coffee, or may be a standard-sized coffee filter
Implementation Method 5
As the immersion brew cone fills, the water swirls and agitates the grounds to fully pre-wet and then immerse the coffee to brew it for the desired amount of time.
Data Source
AI summary
A single serve coffee brewer includes a user input device configured to receive brew information from a user. A grinding mechanism grinds whole coffee beans based on the brew information. A brew chamber includes a first section to receive and retain the ground coffee beans, a filter divider retaining the ground coffee beans in the first section, and an annular section prevented from receiving the ground coffee beans by the filter divider. A water reservoir and a heater configured to heat water from the reservoir based on the brew information. A water pump moves a measured amount of heated water from the heater to the brew chamber, based on the brew information. A drawdown release valve retains the water in the brew chamber for a set duration, based on the brew information, and releases brewed coffee from the brewing chamber responsive to the duration elapsing.