A coffee machine used with capsule

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users need two separate coffee machines to prepare Turkish coffee and other types like espresso, as existing machines are not versatile enough to handle both methods efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A coffee machine with a capsule chamber and a second removable chamber that allows for different coffee preparation methods, featuring a cutter, stripper, spikes, and a channel to accommodate various coffee capsules and switch between passive and active positions for different coffee types, enabling both gravity-based and high-pressure water infusion brewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single coffee machine is designed to prepare both Turkish coffee and espresso, then the versatility of the machine is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple mechanisms (cutter, stripper, spikes, syringe) within one machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoffee preparation versatilityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coffee machine is designed with a single capsule chamber that can perform multiple coffee preparation functions (Turkish coffee and espresso) by incorporating different mechanisms (cutter, stripper for Turkish coffee; spikes, syringe for espresso) within the same device, allowing one machine to replace two separate machines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine employs movable and switchable components including the syringe that can extend and retract, and the cutter/stripper mechanisms that can be positioned actively or passively, allowing the same physical space to accommodate different preparation methods dynamically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutter and stripper are always in active position to prepare Turkish coffee, then Turkish coffee preparation is enabled, but the capability to prepare espresso is lost as the capsule cannot be properly perforated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoffee type compatibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutter and stripper mechanisms are designed to be movable between active and passive positions. When preparing espresso, the second chamber is installed which pushes the cutter and stripper into passive positions, allowing the spikes to properly perforate the capsule bottom. When preparing Turkish coffee, the cutter and stripper are in active positions to cut and strip the capsule foil

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second chamber acts as an intermediary component that, when installed, automatically pushes the cutter and stripper into passive positions, enabling espresso preparation without requiring manual adjustment of the cutter and stripper mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the preparation of Turkish coffee and other types like espresso using the same machine by switching between passive and active positions of the cutter, stripper, and syringe, allowing for seamless transition between brewing methods without requiring multiple machines.

Implementation Method 1

having spikes enabling perforating the bottom portion of said capsules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

high-pressure hot water is pumped into the capsule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

having a channel enabling transmitting the coffee percolating from the spikes to a cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3618670B1A coffee machine used with capsule
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3618670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3618670B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3618670B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coffee machine (1) suitable for being used with capsules (K) covered by foil, containing Turkish coffee, and comprising a body (2), a cover (3) enabling covering the upper surface of the body (2) and having a head (4) applying pressure on the capsule (K) upon being closed, a seat (5) provided on the upper portion of the body (2) so as to be below the cover (3), and a capsule chamber (6) of hollow structure removably placed in the seat (5), having a cutter (7) enabling cutting the foil of the capsule (K) fitted within, upon the head (4) applying pressure to the capsule (K) from above, and a stripper (8) enabling stripping said foil, the cutter (7) and the stripper (8) having a passive position in which they don't contact the capsule (K), and an active position in which they enable the coffee in the capsule (K) to be poured into the seat (5) by cutting and striping the foil,- and by a second chamber (9) removably installed on the capsule chamber (6), triggering the cutter (7) and the stripper (8) to switch to the passive position, having spikes (10) to perforate the capsule and pass high-pressure hot water therethrough, and a channel (11) through which the coffee flows.