Beverage or foodstuff preparation system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines struggle with reading machine-readable codes on flexible materials like paper or wood pulp due to the codes being unreadable from non-rigid supports, limiting material options and flexibility in capsule design.
Innovation Solution
A container with a deformable body portion and closing member, featuring a machine-readable code on a central region, is deformed to create a uniform surface for code reading, using a positioning mechanism to ensure accurate reading by a code reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a code is applied on a flexible material like paper or wood pulp, then material sustainability is improved, but code readability deteriorates due to surface non-uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary action by deforming the container body portion before code reading to create a uniform surface. The positioning mechanism deforms the body portion from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, which subsequently deforms the closing member to present a uniform surface for accurate code reading. This preliminary deformation action resolves the surface non-uniformity issue of flexible materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the positioning mechanism - that mediates between the flexible container and the code reader. The positioning mechanism includes a support that guides the container and a pressing element that applies force to deform the container body, thereby indirectly creating a uniform code surface without the code reader directly contacting or reading the flexible material in its natural state.
2Device complexity
If a code reader directly reads a code on a flexible closing member, then device complexity is reduced, but reading accuracy deteriorates due to surface deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism performs a preliminary action by deforming the container body portion before the code reading operation. This deformation creates a uniform surface on the closing member, ensuring that when the code reader subsequently reads the code, the surface is sufficiently uniform for accurate reading without requiring complex surface correction mechanisms in the code reader itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism serves as an intermediary between the flexible container and the code reader. It includes a support structure that guides the container and a pressing element that applies controlled force to deform the container body, thereby mediating the interaction and ensuring accurate code reading while keeping the code reader itself relatively simple in design.
3Measurement precision
If the container body is deformed to create a uniform code surface, then code readability is improved, but container structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the deformation action on specific regions of the container. The pressing element applies force locally to the container body to create the necessary surface uniformity on the closing member, while the flange portion and other structural elements maintain their integrity. This localized deformation approach minimizes overall structural impact while achieving the reading surface requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation is applied as a preliminary action before the container undergoes its primary processing functions. The positioning mechanism deforms the container body to create a uniform code surface, and this deformed state is maintained only during the brief code reading operation. The container then returns to or transitions to its functional configuration, limiting the duration and impact of the deformation on structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (2) comprising a container (6) and a machine (4) for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff thereof, the container (6) including: a body portion (62) comprising a storage portion (58) for containing a precursor material; a closing member (56) to close the storage portion (62), and; a machine-readable code (44) storing preparation information, the machine (4) including: a code reading system (18) to read the code (44) of the container (6); a processing unit (14) for processing the precursor material of the container (6), and; electrical circuitry (16) to control the processing unit (14) based on the preparation information read from the code (44), the code reading system (18) including a code reader (46) to obtain a digital image of the code (44), and the code reading system (18) includes electrical circuitry (16) to determine from the digital image of the code (44) if the container (6) is in a reading position based on a predetermined condition, and if said condition is met, then the electrical circuitry (16) configured to process the code (44) to extract the preparation information in the reading position.