Windowed Single-Serving Brewing Container with Needle-Safe Passageway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee brewing methods using ground coffee in a filter often result in water passing freely through loosely packed grounds, failing to extract full flavor, and pod adapters struggle with securely holding pods and consistent water injection.
Innovation Solution
A container with a receptacle and cover that allows fluid communication through a passageway, featuring a sidewall and extension to prevent needle contact, and includes a filter and screen material for improved brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground coffee is loosely packed in a filter, then water can flow through easily, but full flavor extraction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and packing density parameters of the brewing material from loosely packed ground coffee to compacted coffee pods or capsules. This parameter change allows water to be forced through the compacted material under pressure, achieving both adequate flow and complete flavor extraction by ensuring proper contact between water and coffee grounds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pod adapters are used to hold coffee pods, then pre-packaged coffee can be utilized, but the pod is not held firmly against the cover and water injection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the brewing system into distinct components: a removable pod holder that secures the coffee pod, a separate tamping mechanism, and a controlled water injection system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function reliably - the pod holder firmly secures the pod against the cover, preventing movement during brewing while maintaining adaptability with various pre-packaged pod formats.
3Productivity
If a passageway is provided for fluid flow, then efficient water circulation is achieved, but needle contact with the base may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary extension component that protrudes from the base and positions the passageway away from the support surface. This extension acts as a mediator that maintains the necessary fluid flow path while preventing direct contact between the needle and the base, eliminating the harmful effect of needle contact damage.
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
Ensures consistent and flavorful brewing by securely holding brewing material and allowing efficient fluid flow, preventing needle contact, and supporting reusable construction.
Implementation Method 1
The passageway provides fluid communication from an interior of the receptacle to an exterior of the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
The passageway can be at least partially covered by a screen material
Implementation Method 3
The receptacle can also include an extension extending from an exterior surface of the base such that at least a portion of the base is separated a fixed distance from a support surface when a distal end of the extension is in contact with the support surface. The fixed distance can be large enough to prevent the outflow needle from contacting the portion of the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a receptacle and a cover. The receptacle includes a base and a sidewall. The base has an interior surface and a passageway in an interior area of the base. The passageway provides fluid communication from an interior of the receptacle to an exterior of the receptacle. The sidewall extends upward from the interior surface of the base. The cover is configured to sealingly engage with a top edge of the sidewall, and includes a cover opening. The container is configured to accept input fluid through the cover opening and to provide a corresponding outflow of fluid through the passageway. The passageway allows the outflow fluid to flow from the container while accommodating an outflow needle of a beverage brewer.