Beverage Extractor Passage Closure to Suppress Ingredient Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage supply apparatuses face issues with scattering of ingredients due to open upper surface openings during the extraction process, leading to inefficiencies and cleanliness concerns.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a passage constituting member with a tubular shape that communicates with the upper surface opening of the cylinder, capable of being elastically deformed to close the passage, preventing ingredient scattering and improving extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the upper surface opening of the cylinder is left open during extraction, then the extraction process can proceed normally with ingredient flow, but ingredients scatter outside the cylinder causing waste and cleanliness issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane structure as a closure member that can dynamically open and close the upper surface opening of the cylinder. This membrane allows ingredient flow during extraction while preventing scattering when closed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining extraction efficiency and preventing ingredient loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is designed with dynamic movement capability, transitioning between open and closed states based on extraction phase requirements. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain high extraction efficiency when open and prevent ingredient scattering when closed, addressing both opposing requirements.
2Loss of substance
If a closure member is added to close the upper surface opening, then ingredient scattering is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to automatically open and close based on the extraction process requirements without requiring complex external control mechanisms. This self-service behavior prevents ingredient scattering while minimizing the addition of complex control systems, thus addressing the contradiction between preventing loss and maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to prevent ingredient scattering, maintains pressure differential for extraction, and can be integrated with existing extractor components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Loss of substance
If the passage is closed during extraction, then ingredient scattering is suppressed, but the flow of hot water and ingredient into the cylinder is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The passage constituting member is designed with dynamic deformation capability, allowing it to transition between open and closed states. During the feeding phase, it remains open to allow hot water and ingredient flow; during the extraction phase, it closes to prevent scattering. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between preventing ingredient loss and maintaining extraction flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage constituting member changes its physical state or configuration parameter between open and closed positions based on extraction phase requirements. This parameter change enables the system to prevent ingredient scattering when closed while allowing free flow when open, thus resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
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 effectively suppresses the scattering of ingredients and enhances the extraction process by ensuring a controlled flow, reducing waste and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the passage constituting member configured to be elastically deformed by an external force to be able to close the passage
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage supply apparatus includes an extractor that feeds ground coffee beans and hot water into a cylinder to extract coffee. The apparatus supplies the coffee extracted by the extractor to a cup. The extractor includes a passage constituting member having a tubular shape and disposed in such a manner as to allow its interior to communicate with an upper surface opening of the cylinder to constitute a passage of the ground coffee beans and the hot water. The passage constituting member is elastically deformed by an external force to be able to close the passage.