Enhanced Drip Filter Coffee Maker with Advanced Features

Publication ID: 24-11857102_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Drip Filter Coffee Maker with Advanced Features,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857102_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857102_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,102.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept introduces a range of improvements to the original drip filter coffee maker, including automated water level sensing, optimized brewing parameters, self-cleaning showerheads, high-resolution user interfaces, and modular brewing modules.

Background and Problem Solved

The original drip filter coffee maker patent described a conventional design with limitations, such as difficult filter basket removal and cleaning, and lack of real-time brewing status. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced features that enhance user experience, brewing efficiency, and overall performance.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced drip filter coffee maker comprises a removable filter basket with an integrated water level sensor, which automatically detects the water level in the reservoir and adjusts the brewing process accordingly. Additionally, the system includes a method for optimizing coffee brewing by monitoring the water level, detecting the type of coffee beans used, and adjusting the brewing temperature and time. The showerhead is designed with a detachable cleaning module that uses ultrasonic waves to remove mineral deposits and debris. The user interface is upgraded to a high-resolution touchscreen display, providing real-time brewing status, coffee strength, and flavor profile information. Furthermore, the modular design allows users to switch between different coffee brewing methods, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features that significantly improve the original drip filter coffee maker design. The automated water level sensing, optimized brewing parameters, self-cleaning showerheads, high-resolution user interfaces, and modular brewing modules provide a distinctive and innovative approach to coffee making, distinguishing the inventive concept from the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the water level sensor design, brewing algorithm optimization, or cleaning module technology. Additionally, the modular design could be adapted for use with different types of coffee makers, such as espresso machines or pour-over brewers.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced drip filter coffee maker has significant commercial potential in the coffee maker market, particularly among coffee enthusiasts and specialty coffee shops. The advanced features and modular design could also appeal to consumers seeking high-quality, customizable coffee brewing experiences.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A47 A47J31/02
A A47 A47J31/0573
A A47 A47J31/061
A A47 A47J31/0605
A A47 A47J31/106
A A47 A47J31/36
A A47 A47J31/44
A A47 A47J31/4403
A A47 A47J31/4407
A A47 A47J31/4457
A A47 A47J31/4482
A A47 A47J31/52
A A47 A47J31/521
A A47 A47J31/525
A A47 A47J31/4492

Field of Art

Automated beverage preparation systems, specifically drip coffee makers, involving thermal control, fluid management, and user interface design for kitchen appliances

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical or electrical engineer with expertise in kitchen appliance design, familiar with brewing technologies, sensor integration, and user interface development, typically holding a bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of experience in small appliance engineering

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable technological improvements to the source patent's drip coffee maker design. The proposed enhancements like water level sensing, automated brewing parameter adjustment, and modular brewing interfaces are logical extensions of existing coffee maker technologies. These modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize coffee brewing functionality.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Removable filter basket configuration from source patent claims
PTD Variation
Integrated water level sensor within the removable filter basket
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor technology to an existing removable component represents a known technique for enhancing functional monitoring, with predictable results of improved brewing control
Source Patent Element
Water reservoir and pump system in original design
PTD Variation
Automated brewing parameter adjustment based on water level and coffee bean detection
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing adaptive brewing algorithms is a standard engineering approach to optimizing fluid delivery systems, utilizing known sensor integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Fixed showerhead design in original coffee maker
PTD Variation
Detachable ultrasonic cleaning module for showerhead maintenance
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying established cleaning technologies to improve appliance maintenance represents a predictable solution to known equipment degradation challenges
Source Patent Element
Basic user interface in original coffee maker design
PTD Variation
High-resolution touchscreen with real-time brewing status and flavor profiling
Obviousness Reasoning
Upgrading display technologies and adding informational interfaces is a standard design evolution in consumer electronics with expected incremental improvements
Source Patent Element
Single brewing method configuration
PTD Variation
Modular brewing system supporting multiple coffee preparation methods
Obviousness Reasoning
Creating adaptable appliance platforms through modular design represents a common product development strategy with predictable market-driven motivations
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857102 and the disclosed technical variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious and lacking inventive distinctiveness. The proposed enhancements represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner, thus rendering potential patent claims obvious and anticipated by the existing prior art.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,102
TitleAdvanced drip filter coffee maker
Assignee(s)BREVILLE PTY LIMITED