Beverage or foodstuff preparation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems for single-serving consumables are limited in complexity reduction and cost efficiency, particularly in the design of consumable processing units, which can lead to increased complexity and costs due to the use of conventional rupturing diaphragms and lack of efficient fluid extraction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a consumable processing unit with a movable design, featuring a pressure-activated valve and penetrators for efficient fluid injection and extraction, allowing for adjustable pressure thresholds and reduced consumable complexity, along with a wash system for cleaning without penetrating the outer layer, enhancing fluid extraction efficiency and user customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional rupturing diaphragms are used in consumable processing units, then fluid extraction can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rupturing diaphragm component from the consumable processing unit, replacing it with a pressure-activated valve system integrated into the machine rather than the consumable. This extraction of the diaphragm eliminates the complexity and cost associated with its manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the fluid extraction function through an alternative mechanical valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies the consumable design by removing complex components like diaphragms, making the consumable itself cheaper and simpler to manufacture. The complexity is shifted to the reusable machine component (pressure-activated valve) rather than the disposable consumable, aligning with the principle of making disposable items simple and inexpensive.
2Ease of operation
If a pressure-activated valve is implemented instead of on the consumable itself, then beverage outlet control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure-activated valve as an intermediary component between the consumable and the beverage outlet system. This valve acts as a mediator that responds to pressure changes from the consumable and controls fluid flow through the outlet conduit, providing improved beverage outlet control while managing system complexity through a dedicated control component.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-activated valve operates automatically in response to pressure changes within the system, eliminating the need for manual control mechanisms. The valve self-regulates beverage outlet based on the pressure generated by the consumable, improving ease of operation while keeping the control mechanism simple and integrated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the consumable processing unit is designed with movable parts between receiving and processing positions, then operational flexibility is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable processing unit is divided into distinct functional positions (receiving position and processing position) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the unit to adapt between different operational states - receiving consumables in one position and processing them in another - thereby improving operational flexibility while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable parts that transition between fixed positions (receiving and processing positions) rather than requiring continuously adjustable mechanisms. This dynamic design provides operational flexibility through discrete position changes while keeping the mechanical system simpler compared to continuously variable mechanisms.
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
This design reduces consumable complexity and cost while improving fluid extraction efficiency and user customization, enabling adaptable brewing conditions and efficient beverage preparation with reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet system includes a valve configured to outlet the fluid via the outlet conduit once a threshold pressure of the fluid of the consumable has been crossed
Implementation Method 2
Processing of the consumable in this manner causes the at least partial extraction of the precursor material from the consumable as the beverage
Implementation Method 3
exposure of pressurized, heated water to said precursor material
Implementation Method 4
exposure of pressurized, heated water to said precursor material
Implementation Method 5
an inlet channel that is arranged to transfer the consumable in a depth direction via gravity from an insertion position to a loaded position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff from a consumable comprising precursor material, the machine including: a processing unit for processing the precursor material, the processing unit including a consumable processing unit and a fluid conditioning system, and; electrical circuitry to control the processing unit, the consumable processing unit comprises a first part and second part which are movable between a consumable receiving position, in which the consumable is receivable by the consumable processing unit, and a consumable processing position, in which the precursor material of a received consumable is processed, the consumable processing unit includes one or more of: an injector penetrator comprising an inlet arranged to penetrate the consumable in the consumable processing position to inject fluid from the fluid conditioning system into the consumable, and/or; an extractor penetrator comprising an outlet arranged to penetrate the consumable in the consumable processing position to extract fluid from the consumable, wherein the injector penetrator and/or extractor penetrator is slideably movable through one or more apertures in the first part and/or second part to penetrate the consumable.