Machine for the preparation of beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems for producing both hot and cold beverages are bulky, noisy, and expensive due to the use of high-capacity coolers with refrigerant gases, making them unsuitable for domestic use.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation machine with interchangeable reservoirs and auxiliary modules, including a thermoelectric cooler and recirculation mechanism, allows for efficient temperature control and disinfection, enabling the dispensing of both hot and cold beverages without the need for large, high-capacity coolers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high capacity coolers with refrigerant gases are used to cool large volumes of water quickly, then the cooling capacity and speed are improved, but the device size, noise level, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a single integrated high-capacity cooler and separates it into a removable auxiliary module that can be detached and replaced. This allows the main machine to remain compact while providing cooling capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between cooling capacity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from a static integrated cooler to a dynamic removable module that can be inserted or removed based on usage requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between compact mode (module removed) and full functionality mode (module inserted), balancing size and cooling capacity.
2Temperature
If high capacity coolers are used to lower the temperature of water in the whole storage reservoir, then the temperature control for cold beverages is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water storage into two separate reservoirs: one for ambient temperature water and one for chilled water. The chilling module provides targeted cooling only when needed, rather than continuously cooling the entire reservoir. This segmentation allows precise temperature control without requiring a large, heavy integrated cooler.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design without large coolers is used, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the cooling capacity and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling by storing pre-chilled water in a separate reservoir that can be quickly connected to the dispensing system. When cold beverages are needed, the chilled water is already prepared and ready for immediate dispensing, eliminating the need for rapid on-demand cooling while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable auxiliary module acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between compact design and adequate cooling capacity. It provides the necessary cooling function when inserted, while allowing the main machine to remain compact when the module is removed, thus mediating between size constraints and cooling 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
The machine provides a compact, cost-effective solution for dispensing a range of beverages by using interchangeable reservoirs and auxiliary modules, such as a chilling module with a thermoelectric cooler and UV disinfection, maintaining optimal temperatures and ensuring efficient operation in a domestic setting.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary module may be a chilling module. The chilling module may comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or peltier heat pump.
Implementation Method 2
The recirculation mechanism may comprise a source of UV for disinfecting the aqueous medium as it circulates in the recirculation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine for dispensing beverages comprising: a housing; a first reservoir station; a first reservoir for containing an aqueous medium, the first reservoir being connectable to said first reservoir station; an auxiliary module station for receiving an auxiliary module.