Beverage-dispensing system with optimized beverage-receptacle retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage distribution systems for espresso and similar beverages face challenges in maintaining recipient retention and ergonomic design, particularly when discharging beverages opposite to gravity, leading to issues with crème retention and temperature variation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation system with symmetrically arranged engagement elements around the discharge element that can move radially between open and retention positions, utilizing a one-way valve or micro-holes for flow regulation and a pressured fitting mechanism to securely hold recipients of varying dimensions, ensuring efficient discharge opposite to gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asymmetric retention means are used to secure the beverage recipient, then the recipient retention is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in the engagement portion design of the beverage recipient, where the engagement portion includes an asymmetric profile with a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface at different angles. This asymmetric geometry enables reliable retention through symmetric retention means by providing unique mating surfaces that prevent rotation and ensure proper positioning, thereby achieving both reliable retention and simplified symmetric retention mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex asymmetric retention means to grip the recipient, the patent inverts the approach by providing symmetric retention means that engage with an asymmetric engagement portion on the recipient. This inversion simplifies the retention means design while maintaining secure retention, as the asymmetric engagement portion acts as the adapting element rather than the retention mechanism itself.
2Reliability
If complex asymmetric retention means are used, then recipient retention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric engagement portion with specifically oriented engagement surfaces provides automatic self-alignment and secure retention without requiring complex operational steps. The asymmetric geometry ensures that the recipient can only be inserted in the correct orientation, simplifying the operation while guaranteeing reliable retention through the symmetric retention means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies operation by inverting the complexity location: rather than making the retention means asymmetric and complex, the engagement portion on the recipient is made asymmetric while the retention means remains symmetric and simple. This allows users to operate the device easily with symmetric retention means while the asymmetric engagement portion ensures reliable, rotation-prevented retention.
3Device complexity
If engagement elements are fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different recipient dimensions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The symmetric retention means are designed with universal engagement capability through the asymmetric engagement portion that accommodates various recipient dimensions. The engagement surfaces are configured to provide consistent geometric engagement regardless of the specific recipient size, allowing the same symmetric retention means to securely retain different types of recipients without requiring adjustment or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by inverting where the adaptability is implemented: rather than making the retention means adjustable or variable, the asymmetric engagement portion on the recipient is designed to be universally compatible with different dimensions. This allows fixed, simple symmetric retention means to adapt to various recipient sizes through the geometric design of the engagement surfaces.
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
Enhances recipient retention and ergonomic use while simplifying the construction, maintaining crème retention and controlling temperature variation by ensuring consistent and reliable beverage discharge opposite to gravity, accommodating different recipient sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
beverage discharge means to inside of a recipient along a direction that is substantially opposite to that of the gravity force
Implementation Method 2
direction that is substantially opposite to that of the gravity force
Implementation Method 3
one-way valve disposition in the recipient
Implementation Method 4
engagement elements arranged on a common alignment... provided so that can be moved radially, outwards or inwards, between the open and the retention position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for distribution of beverages, in particular a system for preparing espresso coffee and similar aromatic beverages, comprising at least one type of beverage recipient (1, 1'), for example of the type glass, cup or similar, 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, with a given flow pressure, a flow regulation disposition (12) in the base region (11) of beverage recipient (1, 1') along a direction opposite to the gravity force, whereby said system is characterized in that said beverage discharge disposition (2) presents at least two engagement elements (23) arranged in common perimeter alignment and symmetric distribution around said beverage discharge element (21) and provided so that can be moved radially, outwards or inwards, between said open (I) and retention position (II), and vice-versa, by actuation means (25; 251, 252) arranged in centred and symmetric manner with relation to said beverage discharge element (21).