Beverage Capsule Extraction Plate Design for Multi-Size Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule-based beverage preparing systems struggle to offer a broad range of beverages with high quality due to limitations in processing differently sized capsules, resulting in inconsistent beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes exchangeable capsules with varying exit face diameters and an extraction plate with relief elements, allowing for selective engagement and reduced flow resistance, enabling the preparation of a broader range of beverages by accommodating both smaller and larger capsules within the same apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single apparatus is used to prepare beverages from capsules of different sizes, then the versatility and range of beverages available is improved, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of beverage quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction plate incorporates relief elements that can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on capsule size. The system dynamically adjusts the extraction mechanism by moving the extraction plate to different positions - engaging relief elements for larger capsules and disengaging them for smaller capsules - thereby maintaining consistent beverage quality across different capsule dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction plate features localized relief elements positioned at specific locations to accommodate variations in capsule exit face diameters. By selectively engaging only the necessary relief elements based on the inserted capsule size, the system maintains precise control over the extraction process while adapting to different capsule types
2Productivity
If relief elements are engaged for larger capsules, then the flow resistance is reduced and extraction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether to engage relief elements based on the size of the inserted capsule. The extraction mechanism self-adjusts by detecting the capsule dimensions and selectively activating the appropriate relief elements, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems while optimizing extraction efficiency
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 system effectively prepares a variety of beverages with improved quality by adapting to different capsule sizes, reducing flow resistance and ensuring uniform extraction processes, thus enhancing the versatility and quality of beverages produced.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under pressure to a selected one of the exchangeable capsules, so as to press its exit face onto the relief elements, for opening the exit face
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A beverage preparation system (1001) comprises a first exchangeable capsule (1004A) with a first exit face (1 1 13A) and a second exchangeable capsule (1004B) with a second exit face (1 1 13 A), the second exit face having a larger diameter than the first exit face. The system further comprises an apparatus including an extraction plate ( 1030) having a plurality of relief elements (1130) for selectively engaging one of the first and second exit faces, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid under pressure to a selected one of the exchangeable capsules, so as to press its exit face onto the relief elements, for opening the exit face. The extraction plate and the second exit face are adapted to each other such that a flow resistance of the second exit face when opened is less than a flow resistance of the first exit face when opened.