Dispensing module for a beverage preparation machine

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines face issues with inconsistent beverage consistency and potential soiling due to direct jets of beverage entering machine components, leading to malfunction and reduced foam quality.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing module with a fluid receiving plate, deflector wall, and outlet conduit design that guides beverage flow gradually, preventing direct jets from entering the machine and maintaining foam consistency by using a deflector wall positioned perpendicular to the fluid receiving plate and a slanted outlet conduit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a direct outlet conduit is provided from the fluid receiving plate, then beverage can be quickly discharged, but beverage jets directly impinge on machine components causing soiling and potential malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage discharge speedVSAvoidmachine soiling and malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary chamber between the fluid receiving plate and the outlet conduit. This chamber acts as a mediator that intercepts beverage jets before they can directly impinge on machine components. The chamber walls and deflector elements guide the beverage flow gradually, converting direct high-velocity jets into controlled flow that exits through the outlet conduit without causing soiling or malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If beverage flows directly from the fluid receiving plate to the outlet, then the flow path is short and simple, but beverage consistency and foam quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path complexityVSAvoidbeverage consistency and foam quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing a chamber that pre-processes the beverage flow before it exits through the outlet conduit. The chamber allows beverage to decelerate, redistribute, and stabilize its composition before discharge. This preliminary processing ensures consistent beverage quality and maintains foam integrity, while the chamber design keeps the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the outlet conduit is positioned directly below the fluid receiving plate openings, then beverage flow is efficient, but foam consistency is lost due to direct impingement and pressure loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage flow efficiencyVSAvoidfoam consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by introducing a horizontal chamber dimension between the vertical fluid receiving plate and the outlet conduit. Instead of direct vertical flow, the beverage travels horizontally through the chamber, allowing foam to stabilize and maintain consistency. The outlet conduit is positioned to receive flow from the chamber rather than directly from above, preserving foam quality while maintaining efficient discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Ensures a continuous, gradual beverage flow, reducing machine soiling and maintaining foam quality, while allowing for use with various capsule sizes and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a deflector wall provided between the fluid receiving plate and the collector outlet opening for screening off direct impingement of fluid from the fluid receiving plate into the outlet conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow screening:

Implementation Method 2

an outlet conduit extending from the collector outlet opening, for receiving fluid via the collector outlet opening and for guiding, in use, fluid towards at least one dispensing nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow guidance:

Implementation Method 3

a fluid receiving plate comprising a plurality of openings distributed over at least part of the plate, the openings being arranged for receiving the beverage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow reception:

Data Source

PatentUS12453435B2Dispensing module for a beverage preparation machine

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 KONINK DOUWE EGBERTS BV

AI summary

Dispensing module for a beverage preparation machine For providing a beverage with a proper consistency using a capsule-based brewing system wherein hot liquid is injected into the capsule under pressure, which capsule is placed against a brewing plate (210) with protrusion (212) arranged to cut the capsule cover under pressure, it has been found that a free flow of the prepared beverage can flow gradually from the brewing plate (210) towards an outlet nozzle (126). An open passage (206) from the brewing plate (210) via a collector chamber (204) downstream of the brewing plate, to the outlet nozzle (126) may be provided with an open and slanted gutter (222) to lead the beverage out of the collector chamber (204) to provide the best results. Due to the open nature of the conduit, jets of beverage form the brewing plate may the open gutter and soil the machine. This may be prevented by providing appropriate shielding (250) between the brewing plate and the gutter or an opening thereof.