Disposable Tea Strainer With Wringing Wires for Low-Loss Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable tea strainers for infusing loose tea require removal from the infusion vessel, leading to water loss and potential mess, making the process less hygienic and inconvenient for recycling.
Innovation Solution
A disposable strainer with a wringing mechanism and positioning plate that allows for efficient retention and spinning of infused tea, utilizing movable wires or threads to minimize water loss and facilitate easy recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the strainer is dipped to infuse in a glass or cup, then the tea infusion process is simple, but the strainer must be removed from the vessel causing water loss and unwanted traces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a rigid base and a separate water-permeable infusion container that can be folded into the base. This segmentation allows the infusion container to be removed independently for recycling while the base remains in the vessel, eliminating water loss and mess.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion container is designed to be flexible and foldable, transitioning between an extended infusion state and a compressed storage state. This dynamic design allows easy removal and folding without requiring complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the strainer is dipped to infuse in a glass or cup, then the tea preparation process is simple, but removing the strainer creates mess and reduces hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the infusion container from the base, allowing the base to remain in the vessel while the infusion container is removed for recycling. This prevents mess and maintains hygiene by avoiding contact between the base and the vessel's interior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-permeable infusion container is designed as a disposable component that can be easily discarded after use, eliminating the need for thorough cleaning and reducing hygiene concerns associated with reusable strainers.
3Ease of operation
If the strainer is dipped to infuse in a glass or cup, then the infusion process is straightforward, but recycling the strainer becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable rigid base and a disposable water-permeable infusion container. This allows the user to simply discard the infusion container after use while retaining the base, significantly simplifying the recycling process compared to disposing of an entire integrated strainer.
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
Enables consumers to obtain and recycle individual portions of loose tea with minimal liquid loss, enhancing convenience and hygiene during tea preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a water-permeable infusion container (3)
Implementation Method 2
a wringing mechanism (4, 5, 6, 7)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to disposable means for preparing tea or other infusions. The device looks like a collapsible colander with a wringing mechanism. The strainer consists of a base, that is, a rigid outline, which is placed on the edge of a vessel with water, and a moisture-permeable infusion container which is immersed in water. The strainer base has a fold line along which the strainer base is folded when brewing is complete. The wires making up the wringing mechanism are laid on the surface of the moisture-permeable infusion vessel. Once the strainer is folded, the ends of the wires stretch compressing the infusion container and squeezing out the infused tea. The squeezing mechanism may comprise an unlimited number of wires and, for uniform squeezing of the tea, also include means for fixing the wires to the surface of the infusion container of the strainer without limiting the freedom of movement of the wires. The base of the device may comprise a clasp making it possible to fix the colander in the folded position. The device can be produced with different designs and volumes, and be manufactured: the base in plastic, cardboard and other materials, and the infusion container in cellulose, filter paper and other materials ensuring the functioning of the device.