Beverage distribution system with ergonomic retention of drinking vessels, and process of operation thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage distribution systems face challenges in reliably and ergonomically retaining drinking recipients during beverage discharge opposite to gravity, particularly affecting the quality of aromatic beverages like espresso coffee by influencing crema production and temperature variation.

Innovation Solution

A beverage distribution system with a drinking recipient and beverage discharge disposition that provides support through a central support portion and compression of flow regulation means, allowing retention in one or two defined angular positions, ensuring a secure and efficient beverage discharge flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drinking recipient is retained on the beverage discharge disposition by means of complex mechanical engagement mechanisms (such as thread connections or multiple guide formations), then the retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical engagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex mechanical engagement mechanisms (thread connections, multiple guide formations, L-shaped guides) from the beverage discharge disposition and transfers them to the drinking recipient itself. The recipient is designed with integrated retention features including a peripheral flange with engagement protrusions and a base region with guide formations, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms on the discharge disposition while maintaining reliable retention through simplified complementary features on the disposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the beverage discharge flow is regulated by complex flow regulation elements (such as multiple valves or complex opening mechanisms), then the beverage quality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage qualityVSAvoidflow regulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service flow regulation where the beverage discharge flow automatically regulates itself through pressure-driven mechanisms. The flow regulation element is designed with a pressure-sensitive membrane that automatically opens or closes flow passages based on the beverage pressure, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms. The system uses the beverage's own pressure to control the flow regulation, achieving reliable beverage quality through simple, automatic pressure-based regulation.

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

This configuration enhances the construction simplicity and reliability of recipient retention, maintaining beverage quality by controlling the discharge flow and temperature, while allowing for the preparation of various beverages, including espresso-like coffee.

Implementation Method 1

compression of flow regulation means that extends around the beverage discharge element, so as to reinforce the sealing of the interface between drinking recipient and beverage discharge element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

beverage discharge disposition that provides the pressurized injection of beverage discharge flow into the interior of a drinking recipient along a direction opposite the gravity force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3831251B1Beverage distribution system with ergonomic retention of drinking vessels, and process of operation thereof
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E IND DE CAFES UNIPESSOAL LDA
  • EP3831251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3831251B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3831251B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses a beverage distribution system, in particular a system for preparation of espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, comprising a drinking recipient (1, 1'), for example of glass, cup, or similar type, a beverage discharge disposition (2) operatively associated with a beverage preparation device (3), whereby said beverage discharge disposition (2) is provided so that the beverage discharge flow impinges, along a direction opposite to the gravity force and with a given flow pressure, flow regulation means (13) on the drinking recipient (1, 1'), whereby said drinking recipient (1, 1') presents recipient retention means (17) provided so that said drinking recipients (1, 1') can only be placed on said recipient placement support (22) in one or two previously defined angular extensions with relation to said beverage discharge disposition (2).