Automatic beverage machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines require manual intervention and are not intuitive, leading to user frustration and safety concerns, especially when handling multiple types of capsules and ensuring correct insertion into motorized brewing units.

Innovation Solution

A beverage preparation machine with a positioner that detects capsule insertion and type, automatically transferring it to the brewing module for preparation, enhancing safety by preventing unauthorized objects and allowing for semi-automatic or automatic brewing modes with customizable parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a motorized brewing unit with automatic capsule insertion is used, then the automation level and productivity are improved, but safety risks increase due to moving parts and automated mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a safety gate that blocks the capsule insertion path before the brewing cycle begins. The gate is automatically activated when the brewing unit is in operation, preventing any object from being inserted into the brewing chamber during the brewing process. This preemptive safety measure eliminates the risk of injury from moving parts while maintaining full automation of the brewing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The safety gate acts as an intermediary element between the user and the motorized brewing components. It mediates the interaction by allowing capsule insertion only when safe to do so, while blocking access during operation. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic brewing functionality without exposing users to harmful moving parts, resolving the contradiction between automation and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rotating magazines with multiple capsule cartridges are used, then capsule storage capacity and versatility are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule storage capacityVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the capsule storage system into separate, stationary cartridge holders positioned in accessible locations around the brewing unit. Instead of one complex rotating magazine, multiple simple fixed holders allow users to store different capsule types independently. This segmentation reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining versatility, as users can select from available cartridges without operating complex rotating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than rotating the magazines to bring capsules to the brewing position, the patent inverts the approach by having stationary cartridges with the brewing mechanism moving to access them, or by allowing direct manual insertion from fixed positions. This inversion simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the rotating magazine mechanism while preserving the ability to store and access multiple capsule types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of information

If multiple cartridge selections and button presses are required, then capsule type identification capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule identification capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling users to manually insert capsules directly into the brewing chamber without requiring selection from rotating magazines or pressing multiple buttons. The system automatically identifies the capsule type through sensors that read capsule characteristics, and automatically configures brewing parameters accordingly. This eliminates complex user interactions while maintaining accurate capsule identification and appropriate brewing settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where sensors automatically detect capsule properties upon insertion and provide real-time information to the control system. The machine reads capsule identifiers and automatically adjusts brewing parameters based on the detected capsule type, eliminating the need for manual selection. This feedback loop maintains precise capsule identification while dramatically simplifying user interaction to a single insertion action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Object-affected harmful factors

If manual capsule insertion monitoring is required, then safety is improved, but productivity and automation level decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidbrewing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual monitoring mechanisms with automated optical or electromagnetic sensors that detect capsule presence and verify correct insertion. These sensors automatically confirm that a capsule is properly positioned in the brewing chamber before initiating the brewing cycle, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection. This substitution maintains safety by ensuring proper capsule insertion while preserving full automation and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The brewing unit performs self-monitoring of capsule insertion through integrated sensors that automatically detect whether a capsule is present and correctly positioned. The system self-verify the brewing setup without requiring user intervention or manual checking, thereby maintaining safety standards while maximizing automation and brewing efficiency. The machine independently ensures safe operation conditions are met before proceeding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10470606B2Automatic beverage machine
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
  • US10470606B2 patent drawing
  • US10470606B2 patent drawing
  • US10470606B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule. The machine comprises a positioner arranged to hold at least one capsule out of the ingredient processing module. It further comprises a sensing arrangement adapted to detect an event related to the insertion by a user of a capsule and/or the presence of the capsule on or into the positioner. The machine is configured, upon detection of the event, to transfer the capsule to the ingredient processing module by using transfer means, and then to start the preparation of the beverage. More particularly, the invention relates to a machine providing a convenient and safe solution to fully automate the preparation of a beverage.