Apparatus for making a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cocktail-making appliances are not robust, compact, or cost-effective, lacking in practicality and efficiency in preparing individual drinks.
Innovation Solution
A compact and robust appliance with a storage rack, funnel, emulsifier shaft, and control module that allows for precise control of ingredient transfer and emulsification, featuring a movable shutter and pressurizing pump for efficient mixing and hygiene, with NFC tags for ingredient tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cocktail-making appliances are used, then drink preparation is possible, but the appliances are not robust, compact, or cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is divided into distinct functional modules: a base unit with storage rack and pump system, a removable funnel assembly with emulsifier, and interchangeable containers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for robustness while simplifying manufacturing and repair of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsifier shaft is nested within the funnel assembly, and the funnel assembly itself is removable from the base. The container nests within the housing when not in use. This nested configuration reduces overall device footprint and simplifies storage while maintaining structural integrity.
2Volume of moving object
If existing cocktail-making appliances are used, then drink preparation is possible, but they are not compact
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack utilizes vertical space above the base platform, and the funnel assembly can be positioned at different heights during operation. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes functionality within a compact footprint by exploiting vertical dimension rather than horizontal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves multiple functions: storing multiple containers, housing the pressurizing pump, providing control electronics, and supporting the funnel assembly. The funnel serves both as a mixing chamber and as a mounting structure for the emulsifier shaft, reducing the need for separate components.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing cocktail-making appliances are used, then drink preparation is possible, but they are not cost-effective to make
Solution Approach 1:
The emulsifier shaft transitions between rotational motion for emulsification and axial translation for shutter operation. This parameter change allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the total number of parts and manufacturing complexity while maintaining robust performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsifier shaft automatically performs dual functions based on its motion state: rotating to emulsify ingredients and translating axially to open/close the outlet shutter. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate actuators for each function, reducing manufacturing cost and component failure points.
4Volume of moving object
If the emulsifier shaft is used to close the outlet orifice, then compactness is enhanced, but the shaft must serve dual functions
Solution Approach 1:
The emulsifier shaft is designed with dynamic functionality, transitioning between rotational motion for emulsification and axial translation for shutter operation. This dynamic design allows a single moving component to perform multiple functions, enhancing compactness without requiring additional dedicated parts for each function.
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 appliance enables rapid, accurate, and hygienic preparation of cocktails, enhancing user experience with improved compactness, robustness, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring optimal hygiene and ingredient management.
Implementation Method 1
a motor driving the emulsifying shaft in rotation about the axis X
Implementation Method 2
The pressurizing pump is configured to pressurize, via the pressurizing inlet (46) of the housing, the interior of said container (16)
Implementation Method 3
the closing plug, preferably made of an elastomer material, designed to, in the closed position, enter into the outlet orifice of the funnel
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance for making a drink individually. The appliance includes a storage rack defining a plurality of housings configured to each receive a container containing an ingredient of the drink, and being provided with a housing outlet. The appliance includes a funnel including an outlet orifice. The appliance includes structure for transferring, into the funnel, through the housing outlets of the housings, ingredients contained in the containers. The appliance includes an emulsifier including an emulsifier shaft that is movable between positions in which it closes and leaves free the outlet orifice of the funnel.