Machine for the preparation of beverages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage preparation machines face complexity and cost issues due to reliance on complex structural and functional reorganizations for automatic ejection of prepackaged charges, especially with deformable materials, leading to potential mold development and encrustations when manual operation is required.
Innovation Solution
A machine design utilizing a hydraulic jack mechanically coupled to the movable portion of the infusion chamber, integrated into the pressurized water supply circuit, with releasable locking means and expulsion mechanisms to simplify the movement and coupling of infusion chamber portions, allowing for automatic ejection of exhausted charges without increasing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex structural and functional reorganizations are implemented for automatic ejection, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejection function with the existing coupling mechanism between the two portions of the brewing chamber. The coupling means are designed to automatically eject the prepackaged charge when the portions are uncoupled, merging two functions (coupling and ejection) into a single integrated mechanism, thereby achieving automation without adding separate complex ejection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means serve multiple functions: they couple the two portions of the brewing chamber during operation and simultaneously act as the ejection mechanism when uncoupled. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ejection mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation capability
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for charge ejection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to mold development and encrustations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically ejects the prepackaged charge through the coupling means when the portions are uncoupled, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent ejection action that prevents residual material from remaining in the brewing chamber, thereby maintaining hygiene and preventing mold development while keeping the structure relatively simple
3Extent of automation
If complex electromechanical actuators are used for automatic ejection, then automation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ejection function from complex electromechanical actuators and integrates it into the mechanical coupling means between the two portions. By removing the need for separate expensive actuators and using the inherent mechanical interaction of the coupling system, the solution achieves automation at lower manufacturing cost
4Extent of automation
If the brewing chamber structure is complicated to enable automatic ejection, then automation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the brewing chamber structure complex to achieve ejection, the patent inverts the approach by making the portions movable and designing the coupling means to automatically perform ejection during the uncoupling motion. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining automatic ejection capability, and keeps user interaction simple as users only need to load and unload portions as before
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
The solution enables a simpler, cost-effective automation of the infusion unit operation, ensuring efficient ejection of prepackaged charges and preventing mold development, suitable for both rigid and deformable materials, while maintaining optimal brewing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic jack mechanically coupled to said mobile portion and inserted in the circuit for feeding pressurised water to the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
the jack is inserted in the pressurised water supply circuit downstream of the pump, upstream of the boiler and in series with it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Beverage preparation machine, comprising a tank (2), a feed pump (3), a heat exchanger (4), and provided with an infusion unit (1; 5) comprising an infusion chamber (101, 201; 105, 205), equipped with means for feeding the infusion liquid (251; 255) and dispensing means for the prepared drink (121; 125), formed by two complementary portions and suitable, once coupled, for receiving a prepackaged charge of edible material, in which the two portions of said infusion chamber are provided with movement relative to each other, and the movement is suitably guided, and means for coupling between the two portions are provided, releasable ; said two portions of said infusion chamber are one movable (201; 205) and one fixed (101; 105), being said movable portion (201; 205) equipped with actuation means comprising a hydraulic jack (501; 505) mechanically coupled to said movable portion (201; 205), and inserted in the circuit for feeding pressurized water to the infusion chamber, and releasable locking means being provided (481, 431, 491, 471; 435, 605, 625) of the coupling between said two portions of the infusion chamber.