Apparatus for preparing a beverage and a decoction device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage decoction devices are limited by their length, which restricts their compactness and efficiency in preparing beverages like espresso, as they require the decoction chamber to travel twice its own length during the preparation and residue release process.

Innovation Solution

The decoction device undergoes a displacement between the second and third states in the first direction, allowing a shared first stroke for the decoction body and first bottom, followed by a second stroke moving the decoction body away from the first bottom, and a third stroke returning it to the first state, completing the preparation cycle in three strokes, enhancing compactness and residue release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the decoction chamber travels twice its own length during preparation and residue release, then the beverage preparation and cleaning functions are completed, but the device length increases and compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage preparation functionVSAvoiddecoction device length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the decoction chamber back and forth along a long path, the invention inverts the approach by moving the filling opening and residue release mechanism relative to the stationary decoction chamber. The chamber remains in place while the opening travels along its path, effectively completing the preparation and cleaning cycles without requiring the chamber to traverse twice its length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the functions by separating the stationary decoction chamber from the moving filling opening and residue release mechanism. This segmentation allows the chamber to remain fixed in a compact position while the opening performs its travel function, thereby reducing the overall device length while maintaining operational completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the decoction chamber follows a long path between preparation and residue release positions, then complete residue removal is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue removal completenessVSAvoiddecoction device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional approach by keeping the decoction chamber stationary and moving the filling opening instead. This inversion maintains reliable residue removal because the opening still traverses the complete path past both bottoms, while significantly simplifying the device structure by eliminating the need for the chamber to follow a long complex path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The filling opening serves multiple functions: it admits ingredients during preparation, allows residue release during cleaning, and travels along a defined path to ensure complete evacuation. This multi-functionality is achieved within a simplified structure where the opening's movement replaces the need for complex chamber traversal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach results in a more compact decoction device capable of performing a complete preparation cycle in fewer strokes, ensuring efficient and complete residue removal from the decoction chamber.

Implementation Method 1

the drive means which during operation impart a preparation cycle to the decoction device, which preparation cycle comprises a first state in which the filling opening is situated between the bottoms and opens into the decoction chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

inlet means for admitting a liquid optionally under increased pressure and temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure Gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the liquid is guided through the decoction chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

the ingredient lies clamped between the two bottoms and is thereby compressed to some extent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 5

a remaining pellet of the ingredient just used falls out between the two bottoms under the influence of gravitational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2931090B1Apparatus for preparing a beverage and a decoction device

Publication Date: 2021.07.21 J M DE JONG DUKE AUTOMATENFABRIEK BV

Figure 1
Figure 2A1~2B1
Figure 2B2~2C2

AI summary

An apparatus for preparing a beverage comprises a decoction device (5) which comprises a decoction body (50) with a chamber Avail (53) inside which a decoction chamber (54) extends axially between a pair of bottoms (51,52) lying opposite each other. The chamber wall is provided locally with a filling opening (55) for admitting into the decoction chamber at least one ingredient for the beverage to be prepared. The decoction device is coupled to drive means which during operation impart a preparation cycle to the decoction device. A first bottom (51) moves closer to a second bottom (51) here in a first direction from a first starting position. Between a second and a third state the decoction body (50) performs a displacement in the first direction in order to carry the inlet opening (55) outside the decoction chamber. In a third ejecting state the first bottom lies outside the decoction body.