Beverage and/or foodstuff preparation system and machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in accurately reading machine-readable codes on flexible or deformable capsule materials such as paper or wood pulp due to issues like wrinkling or non-uniform shaping, which can lead to inaccurate preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a positioning mechanism to deform the container body and closing member to create a more uniform surface for code reading, using 3-point bending and curvature adjustments to ensure accurate reading of the code, even on flexible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beverage or foodstuff preparation system uses multiple separate appliances (kettle, coffee machine, blender, etc.), then each appliance can be optimized for its specific function, but the kitchen becomes cluttered and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beverage and foodstuff preparation appliances (kettle, coffee machine, blender, juicer, etc.) into a single integrated system. The base unit houses a motor that drives various attachments, allowing multiple functions to be performed in one location, thereby reducing kitchen clutter while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal preparation station that can perform multiple functions through interchangeable attachments. A single base unit with a powerful motor can drive blending, juicing, coffee brewing, and other functions by simply changing the attachment, making one appliance replace many specialized devices.
2Area of stationary object
If a beverage or foodstuff preparation system integrates multiple functions in one appliance, then kitchen space is saved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a permanent base unit and interchangeable attachments. The base contains the motor and control systems, while each attachment (blender jar, juicer bowl, coffee portafilter, etc.) is a separate, dedicated component. This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional system to be managed through simple, single-purpose attachments that attach to and detach from the base as needed.
3Ease of operation
If separate appliances are used for each beverage preparation task, then each appliance can be simple and easy to operate, but the time required to complete multiple tasks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to prepare multiple components in advance and store them in the base unit. For example, coffee grounds can be pre-ground, juice ingredients can be pre-cut and stored in the base, and various attachments can be pre-positioned. This preliminary preparation reduces the time needed for actual beverage or foodstuff preparation while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (2) comprising a container (6) and a machine (4) for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff, the container (6) including: a body portion (62) with a storage portion (58) for containing a precursor material; a closing member (56) to close the storage portion (58); a machine-readable code (44) storing preparation information, said code (44) arranged on the closing member (56), the machine (4) including: a code reading system (18) to read the code (44) of the container (6); a processing unit (14) for processing the precursor material of the container (6), and; electrical circuitry (16) to control the processing unit (14) based on the preparation information read from the code (44), wherein the code reading system (18) includes a code reader (46), and a positioning mechanism (110) to translate along an axis the container (6) and code reader (46) relative to each other from a holding position, in which the container (6) is separated from a reading head of the code reader (46) and the code (44) is aligned along said axis with the code reader (46), to a reading position, in which the code (44) of the container (6) is in contact with the reading head.