Supply support with a plurality of individual portions for preparing beverages and process of production thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible supports for individual beverage portions, particularly in espresso machines, face challenges with efficient and reliable displacement, storage, and connection to traction devices, especially when wet, leading to potential tearing and jamming.
Innovation Solution
A supply support with connection regions extending around collection confinements, using gas-tight material sheets united in juxtaposition, providing structural reinforcement and efficient displacement, and featuring connection regions that do not extend to lateral edges, ensuring reliable engagement with traction devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lateral edges with holes are used for engagement with traction device, then connection reliability is improved, but lateral edges occupy substantial space and are prone to tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement holes are extracted from the lateral edges and relocated to the end regions of the support. This removes the problematic lateral edge holes that occupied substantial space and were prone to tearing, while preserving the connection function through alternative positioning of the engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are moved from a lateral position (one dimension) to an end position (different spatial dimension). This dimensional relocation allows the support to engage with the traction device without requiring holes in the lateral edges, thereby reducing space occupation and eliminating tearing risks in narrower zones.
2Reliability
If support sheets are united by thermal welding or adhesive material connection, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection regions are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural connection between support sheets, ensure hermetic sealing of collection confinements, and enable engagement with the traction device. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate sealing mechanisms and reduces production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection regions are designed as multi-functional elements that combine structural support, hermetic sealing, and mechanical engagement capabilities. This universal design allows a single feature to address multiple requirements, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing production complexity.
3Strength
If connection regions extend around collection confinements, then structural resistance is improved, but material usage and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection regions are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide structural reinforcement precisely where needed - at the connection points between support sheets and at engagement locations. This localized approach ensures structural resistance is improved without requiring excessive material throughout the entire support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection regions extend around the collection confinements to provide sufficient structural resistance, but not excessively beyond what is needed. This partial action approach ensures adequate strength while minimizing material usage, avoiding both insufficient reinforcement and excessive material consumption.
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 solution enhances operational reliability, reduces production costs, and allows for efficient storage and use in beverage preparation machines by minimizing tearing and jamming risks while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The support sheets are provided in a material with a resistance to traction of at least 2 kg and are united to each other in a material connection in connection regions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a supply support (1) configured with a band shape and comprising a plurality of collection portions (13) presenting collection confinements (130) that confine individual portions (2) to be used in a beverage preparation machine (100), such as for example in a espresso type coffee machine. The supply support (1) according to the invention is characterized in that present a simple and efficient construction, com material properties and dimensional aspects adapted so that the supply support (1) can be produced with less costs, can be more efficiently arranged inside a cartridge (3) and can be operated more efficiently and reliably by a traction device (101) of a beverage preparation machine (100). The present invention further refers to a process for producing a supply support (1).