Beverage Capsule Sequential Symbol Reading for Centrifugal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face challenges in reliably and efficiently reading information from capsules due to limited space and harsh environments, which affects the control of beverage preparation parameters.
Innovation Solution
A support with sequentially readable symbols on the capsule circumference, allowing for improved data capacity and reliability, using optical or inductive sensors to read the symbols during rotation, and incorporating error-checking and correction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic strips or inductive areas are used for capsule identification, then capsule recognition is enabled, but the reading reliability is insufficient in centrifugal extraction environments with limited space and harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic and inductive identification systems with optical reading systems. Instead of using magnetic strips or conductive areas that require complex sensors and are sensitive to environmental interference, the invention uses optically readable symbol sequences (barcodes, data matrices) that can be reliably detected by optical reading arrangements, thereby substituting a mechanical/electromagnetic system with an optical one that is more reliable in centrifugal extraction environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (visual symbols) of information instead of physical magnetic or electrical properties. The symbol sequences represent capsule identification data in a visual format that can be read optically, creating a simplified copy of the information that is more robust to environmental conditions than magnetic or inductive encoding.
2Loss of information
If sequential symbol sequences are implemented on the capsule, then data capacity and reading reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional reading arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from simple point-based or area-based identification to sequential symbol sequences arranged in spatial patterns (linear, circular, or multi-dimensional arrangements). This dimensional expansion of the code structure allows more information to be encoded in a compact space on the capsule surface, increasing data capacity while maintaining readability through the sequential detection of symbols as the capsule rotates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates error-checking and correction codes within the symbol sequences before the reading process begins. These preliminary encoded verification elements allow the reading arrangement to detect and correct reading errors automatically, ensuring accurate information retrieval without requiring complex post-processing or re-reading operations.
3Measurement precision
If optical or inductive sensors are used to read symbols during capsule rotation, then information reading is enabled, but reading precision is affected by the harsh environment and limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inductive sensors with optical sensors for reading identification data. Optical sensors are less sensitive to the electromagnetic interference and environmental conditions present in centrifugal extraction machines compared to inductive sensors, thereby improving measurement precision in harsh environments with limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual optical copies of identification data in the form of symbol sequences that can be read by optical sensors. This optical copying method creates a robust representation of information that is insensitive to the harsh environmental factors (heat, moisture, vibration) present during capsule rotation and extraction.
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
Enhances the reliability and capacity of data reading, enabling precise control of beverage preparation parameters and ensuring accurate information retrieval despite environmental challenges.
Implementation Method 1
using optical or inductive sensors to read the symbols during rotation
Implementation Method 2
rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the center towards the periphery of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule for preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.