Tea Maker Spring-Loaded Filter Assembly for Particulate Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tea makers lack an effective mechanism for filtering brewed tea mixtures, which can contain particulates and lime scale deposits, during pouring, leading to an unsatisfactory brewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A tea maker with a spring-loaded articulating filter assembly that includes a filter plate biased towards an extended position by a coil spring, ensuring consistent contact with the vessel's inner surface to filter the brewed tea mixture as it is poured through the spout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is added to filter brewed tea mixture, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is integrated with the lid assembly, merging two functional components into a unified structure. The filter plate is positioned within the lid assembly and works in conjunction with the spout, eliminating the need for a separate filter device and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to articulate between different positions. This dynamic design enables the filter plate to adapt to the pouring action, maintaining contact with the brewed tea mixture during pouring while remaining unobtrusive when not in use, thus improving filtration without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded filter plate is used to ensure consistent contact, then filtration reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into distinct functional parts: the filter plate, the biasing member (spring), and the articulation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable filtration through consistent spring-loaded contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically maintains the filter plate in the extended position through its inherent spring force, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring-loaded design provides self-regulating pressure against the brewed tea mixture, ensuring consistent filtration reliability without increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the filter plate is biased towards extended position, then filtration consistency is improved, but force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member applies a moderate spring force that is sufficient to maintain filter plate contact with the brewed tea mixture during normal pouring conditions, but not so strong as to create excessive resistance or require significant actuation force. This partial action approach achieves consistent filtration without over-engineering the force requirements.
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 spring-loaded filter assembly effectively filters particulates and prevents lime scale deposits from reaching the spout, providing a cleaner and more sterile brewing experience by ensuring the filter plate remains engaged with the vessel's inner surface during pouring.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed on the filter assembly and is configured to bias the filter plate towards the extended position
Implementation Method 2
The filter plate is configured to contact an inner surface of the vessel when the filter plate is in the extended position for filtering a brewed tea mixture as the mixture is poured through the upper opening of the vessel
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A tea maker 10 includes a vessel 20 having an upper opening 24 with a spout 26 disposed thereon. A lid assembly 40 is removeably received on the upper opening 24 of the vessel 20 and includes a steeping tube 90. The steeping tube 90 extends downwardly from the lid assembly 40 into the vessel 20 when the lid assembly 40 is received on the upper opening 24 of the vessel 20. A filter assembly 100 is coupled to the lid assembly 40 and includes a filter plate 120 that is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. The filter plate 120 is configured to contact an inner surface 23 of the vessel 20 when the filter plate 120 is in the extended position. A biasing member 140 is configured to bias the filter plate 120 towards the extended position for filtering a brewed tea mixture as the mixture is poured through the upper opening 24 of the vessel 20.