Apparatus for preparing brewed beverages, and capsule, capsule system and method for producing a brewed beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face issues with reliable detection of codes on capsules due to contamination and error-prone recognition systems, especially when packaging is dirty or the edge of the cartridge is gripped and contaminated.
Innovation Solution
A device with a light source adjacent to the capsule base, using light guides to direct light into the capsule and a detector to read the code from the bottom surface, reducing contamination susceptibility and enabling accurate detection even with minimal contamination, along with a positioning device for precise capsule alignment and a controller to adjust brewing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection device is arranged on a slide rail to read codes on the capsule edge, then the capsule can be identified during insertion, but the detection becomes error-prone when the packaging is dirty or the edge is contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the capsule edge (which is susceptible to contamination) and relocates it to the capsule base. The light source and light guide are integrated into the base, allowing code detection to occur through the base material rather than reading external surface codes that can be contaminated during handling and insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The base of the capsule serves as an intermediary medium that transmits light from the light source through the code pattern to the light guide. This intermediary approach allows the detection system to read the code through the base material, protecting the detection mechanism from direct contact with contaminated surfaces while maintaining accurate code recognition.
2Ease of operation
If the capsule edge is used for code detection, then the capsule can be identified, but the edge is easily contaminated and deformed during gripping and insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The detection functionality is extracted from the capsule edge and relocated to the capsule base. The light source and light guide are integrated into the base structure, allowing code detection to occur through the base material rather than reading external surface codes that can be contaminated during handling and insertion.
3Reliability
If multiple light guides are provided in the base with light deflection devices, then capsule detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the light source, light guides, and light deflection devices into an integrated assembly at the capsule base. This consolidation allows multiple light guides to share common structural support and control electronics, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple detection paths.
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 provides reliable capsule detection and identification, allowing for precise control of brewing parameters, such as temperature and time, and supports a wide range of capsule types, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light guide being provided in the base, by means of which the light emitted into the base is coupled to at least one output surface on the base of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
a light detector is arranged opposite the at least one outcoupling surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for preparing brewed beverages comprises a brewing chamber (6), at which are provided an inlet for heated water and an outlet (22) for the brewed beverage, wherein the brewing chamber (6) has an opening (20), at which can be arranged a capsule (15) containing substances which are effective for the brewing operation, the capsule having a capsule opening (12), which is connected, at least in part, to the brewing chamber (6), and a floor (18) opposite the capsule opening (12), wherein the floor (18) of the capsule (15) has provided adjacent to it at least one light source (40), which emits light into the floor (18) at an entry surface (41), wherein the floor (18) contains at least one light conductor (45), by means of which the light emitted into the floor (18) is directed to at least one coupling-out surface (44) on the floor (18) of the capsule (15), and a light detector (36) is arranged opposite the at least one coupling-out surface (44). Identification of the capsule can be carried out effectively as a result.