Beverage machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve coffee machines require different machines for using variously sized and shaped coffee pads or capsules, leading to complex adapters and non-intuitive capsule insertion, especially when capsules need to be inserted upside-down for optimal liquid flow.
Innovation Solution
A brewing unit with a portable capsule holder that allows for intuitive capsule insertion and liquid flow, where the capsule can be placed naturally, with a channel system ensuring liquid flows from the bottom to the top for optimal coffee extraction, and a lid design that distributes liquid evenly for both pads and capsules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If capsules are inserted upside-down to achieve optimal liquid flow from bottom to top, then coffee extraction quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing unit is designed with inverted liquid flow path compared to conventional machines. Liquid is supplied from the bottom of the brewing chamber and exits from the top, allowing capsules to be inserted in their natural orientation while still achieving optimal extraction through bottom-to-top flow through the capsule
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of pads and capsules are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing unit is designed with a universal brewing chamber that can accommodate both soft pads and hard capsules without requiring separate adapters. The chamber geometry and sealing mechanism are designed to work with both types of consumables, allowing a single machine to perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter components are completely removed from the system. Instead of adding intermediate adapter pieces between the machine and different consumable types, the brewing unit is directly designed to interface with both pad and capsule formats, eliminating the need for separate adapter assemblies
3Ease of operation
If liquid is injected from top to bottom for pad brewing, then ease of operation is maintained, but coffee quality deteriorates when using capsules due to suboptimal flow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow direction is inverted compared to conventional top-down injection. The brewing unit supplies liquid from the bottom of the brewing chamber and collects it at the top, enabling optimal bottom-to-top flow through capsules while maintaining the same simple liquid injection mechanism from the machine's perspective
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
Enables the use of different types of coffee pads and capsules in a single machine without adapters, improving handling and coffee quality by ensuring optimal liquid flow and sealing, while allowing for easy cleaning and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
the lid comprises a liquid feeding channel which runs through the lid and ends in a first liquid outlet arranged at a bottom side of the lid, and wherein the lid further comprises a liquid transport channel which starts at a liquid inlet arranged at the bottom side of the lid, runs internally through the lid, and ends in a second liquid outlet arranged at the bottom side of the lid
Implementation Method 2
at least one internal holder channel which is integrated into the at least one side wall, wherein the internal holder channel starts at a holder liquid inlet arranged at the upper side of the base body, runs internally through the at least one the side wall, and ends in an inner face of the capsule receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage machine. The beverage machine comprises a brewing unit (10) with (i) a main body (12) defining a hollow (14) for receiving a portable capsule holder (18) and (ii) a lid (20) connected to the main body (12) for opening and closing the hollow (14). The beverage machine comprises a portable capsule holder (18) that is configured to receive a capsule (50) which encapsulates an extractable food product. The brewing unit (10) and the portable capsule holder (18) cooperate together in a manner that is regarding the liquid flow similar as a fountain.