System for the preparation of beverages with storage means and means for supplying individual doses and process of operation of said system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for preparing beverages like coffee and tea with individual doses in a conduction support are complex and inefficient due to multiple actuation mechanisms and unfavorable storage configurations, particularly in professional settings where high volumes and frequent substitutions are required.

Innovation Solution

A system where the conduction support is primarily moved vertically without direction changes, using actuation devices near the extraction device to simplify and reduce actuation forces, and leveraging gravity for portion supply, with modular storage means that are easily accessible and adaptable to different formats and dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the conduction support uses multiple actuation mechanisms to control movement, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary actuation mechanisms from the system. By using a single actuation mechanism instead of multiple mechanisms, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining control precision through the simplified mechanical design of the conduction support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuation mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the movement of the conduction support, positions individual doses, and enables sequential supply to the extraction device. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of components needed while maintaining effective control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the conduction support includes several elbows of direction change, then the adaptability to extraction device positioning is improved, but the actuation forces required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to extraction device positioningVSAvoidactuation forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the storage means in the vertical dimension, placing it above the extraction device. This vertical arrangement allows the conduction support to move in a straight vertical line without requiring horizontal elbows or direction changes, thereby reducing the actuation forces needed while maintaining adaptability through vertical positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the storage means is disposed in a configuration requiring multiple actuation mechanisms, then the reliability of dose supply is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of dose supplyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage means is designed to automatically supply individual doses through its own gravitational field. The conduction support moves vertically under gravity's influence, eliminating the need for complex actuation mechanisms to push or pull doses. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable dose supply through the inherent stability of gravitational force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the conduction support undergoes change of movement plane, then the adaptability to different extraction device positions is improved, but the actuation forces and force moments increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to extraction device positionsVSAvoidactuation forces and force moments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent confines the conduction support movement to a single vertical plane by positioning the storage means directly above the extraction device. This eliminates the need for the conduction support to change movement planes or perform complex spatial transitions, thereby reducing the actuation forces and force moments required while maintaining adaptability through vertical positioning adjustments.

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

This approach reduces actuation forces, simplifies mechanisms, and enhances reliability and flexibility in beverage preparation, particularly in high-use professional environments by minimizing complexity and optimizing the supply process.

Implementation Method 1

the supply of each individual portion to the extraction device, in particular after the actuation device, is carried out at least in part by action of the gravity force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2848167B1System for the preparation of beverages with storage means and means for supplying individual doses and process of operation of said system
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 NOVADELTA COMML E IND DE CAFES SA
  • EP2848167B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP2848167B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP2848167B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention refers to a system (10) for preparation of beverages by means of extraction of a respective edible substance and including at least one system module (1) with the possibility of storage and successive supply of a plurality of individual doses (5) of said edible substance provided in a conduction support (4) in form of band or similar, to a respective extraction device (2). Said system module (1) comprises at least one storage means (3) adapted so as to house said conduction support (4) of individual doses (5), whereby the latter is actuated by respective actuation means (7) and disposed relative to these in advantageous manner in terms of a reliable, efficient and flexible use of an extraction device (2) of aromatic beverages, in particular in view of a professional use thereof. The present invention further refers to a process for the operation of a system (10) for preparation of beverages according to the present invention.