Beverage or foodstuff preparation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems for single-serving consumables are limited in complexity and cost, with conventional systems relying on complex consumables like Nespresso capsules, and there is a need for improved efficiency and customization in processing and washing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrically operated beverage preparation machine with a consumable processing unit that includes a movable processing chamber, pressure-activated valve, and penetrators for efficient fluid injection and extraction, allowing for adjustable brewing pressure and efficient washing of consumables without submersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beverage preparation systems use complex consumables like Nespresso capsules, then brewing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable is divided into two functional parts: an outer layer that provides structural integrity and sealing, and an inner layer containing the precursor material. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining brewing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, disposable consumable structure with an outer layer and inner layer that can be easily manufactured and discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex reusable components and reducing both device complexity and cost.
2Productivity
If a pressure-activated valve is implemented on the consumable processing unit, then brewing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to activate automatically when the fluid pressure within the consumable reaches a predetermined threshold during the brewing process, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining brewing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-activated valve utilizes the natural hydraulic pressure generated by the fluid conditioning system to automatically control fluid flow, converting the brewing pressure itself into the control mechanism rather than requiring separate actuation systems.
3Productivity
If penetrators are used for fluid injection and extraction, then fluid extraction efficiency is improved, but consumable structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The penetrators are pre-configured in the consumable processing unit with inlet and outlet conduits positioned to penetrate the outer layer and contact the inner layer containing the precursor material, enabling immediate fluid injection and extraction upon consumable insertion without requiring additional structural modifications.
4Ease of operation
If an inlet channel transfers consumables via gravity, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet channel is designed with a gravitational feed mechanism that utilizes the natural potential energy of the consumable to guide it into the consumable processing unit, creating an equipotential flow path that reduces the need for complex mechanical feeding mechanisms while maintaining precision through carefully designed channel geometry.
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 solution reduces consumable complexity and cost, enhances brewing efficiency by optimizing fluid extraction, and provides customizable brewing pressures and effective washing mechanisms, improving overall beverage preparation processes.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet system includes a valve configured to outlet the fluid via the outlet conduit once a threshold pressure of the fluid of the consumable has been crossed
Implementation Method 2
the machine comprise an inlet channel that is arranged to transfer the consumable in a depth direction via gravity from an insertion position to a loaded position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff from a consumable comprising precursor material, the machine including: a processing unit for processing the precursor material, the processing unit including a consumable processing unit and a fluid conditioning system, and; electrical circuitry to control the processing unit, the consumable processing unit is movable between a consumable processing position, in which the precursor material of a received consumable is processed, and a consumable washing position, in which the received consumable is washed prior to processing, wherein the processing unit comprising a wash system with a wash inlet arranged to direct wash fluid onto an outer wall of an outer layer of the consumable.