Beverage Capsule Dispenser With Separate Flow Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for producing aromatic beverages risk contaminating subsequent beverages with residuals from previous operations, compromising the organoleptic properties of the beverages produced.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a dispenser with multiple conveying ways that can be selectively coupled with the output of different types of capsules, allowing for angular positioning and dedicated channels for each type of beverage, preventing cross-contamination and maintaining optimal organoleptic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single conveying way is used for all beverages, then the device complexity is reduced, but beverage contamination occurs and organoleptic properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying way structureVSAvoidbeverage purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single conveying way is segmented into multiple separate conveying ways, each dedicated to specific beverage types. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different beverages while maintaining organized fluid flow paths within the dispenser system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful mixing of different beverage residuals is eliminated by extracting separate conveying paths for each beverage type. Each beverage type has its own dedicated conveying way that prevents interaction with residuals from other beverages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple conveying ways are used for different beverages, then beverage contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage purityVSAvoidconveying way structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser head is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple beverage types through a standardized capsule interface. The angular positioning mechanism allows the same dispenser structure to serve multiple beverage types by rotating to align different conveying ways with the capsule output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying system incorporates dynamic angular positioning capability, allowing the capsule or dispenser to rotate and align different conveying ways with the capsule output. This dynamic adjustment enables multiple beverage types to use a shared dispenser structure with minimal complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If angular positioning mechanism is added, then beverage type selection and contamination prevention are improved, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage type differentiationVSAvoidcapsule positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule or dispenser incorporates self-aligning features such as indexed positioning or mechanical guides that automatically orient the capsule correctly when inserted. This self-service mechanism reduces the operational burden on the user while ensuring proper alignment with the selected conveying way.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the production of various beverages without contamination, ensuring the preservation of their organoleptic properties by using distinct channels for each type, thus preventing residual interference.

Implementation Method 1

the beverage is produced by dissolving and/or infusing the aromatic essence in the water that crosses the capsule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolving: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

the beverage is produced by dissolving and/or infusing the aromatic essence in the water that crosses the capsule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfusion: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2230972B1Apparatus for producing a beverage
Publication Date: 2011.09.07 BABAS SRL
  • EP2230972B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2230972B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The apparatus for producing a beverage comprises at least one of a plurality of types of capsules that are different at least for the type of aromatic essence contained therein, the capsule having a way for inserting water and a way for outputting a beverage produced by the passage of said water through the capsule, a dispenser adapted to convey the beverage towards a delivering point, the dispenser having a plurality of conveying ways that can be selectively coupled with the outputting way of the capsule, angular positioning means of the capsule being further provided with respect to the dispenser compulsorily in one among a plurality of angular positions, each one corresponding to the selection of one of the conveying ways, and means for relating each one of the angular positions and the type of capsule.