Beverage preparation device with thermally optimised architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines suffer from significant heat exchange issues that cause temperature fluctuations in the liquid extract, leading to beverages that are colder or hotter than desired, which affects the quality of extraction and preservation of aroma compounds.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conditioned beverage collecting surface and a thermal conditioner that closely surrounds the beverage processing unit, minimizing temperature differences between inlet and outlet paths, and using a thermoblock to maintain optimal temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the liquid extract is discharged from the device and collected in a U-shaped cavity with extensive contact surfaces, then the liquid can be collected and directed to the dispensing duct, but the liquid experiences significant heat exchange with the environment causing temperature fluctuations that affect beverage quality
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal conditioner is introduced as an intermediary component between the beverage processing unit and the collecting device. This thermal conditioner minimizes thermal perturbations by providing thermal insulation or active temperature control during the transition of liquid from the processing unit to the collecting device, thereby preventing unwanted heat exchange with the environment while maintaining collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary thermal conditioning to the liquid path before collection occurs. By pre-heating or pre-cooling the collecting device or the liquid pathway, the system counteracts the impending heat exchange that would occur during collection, preventing temperature fluctuations before they can degrade beverage quality
2Productivity
If the beverage processing unit is rotated to create centrifugal extraction, then liquid traverses the ingredient effectively for extraction, but the liquid extract cools down or warms up significantly during collection and dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioner acts as a mediator that decouples the centrifugal extraction process from the collection process thermally. It allows the extraction to proceed efficiently via rotation while independently controlling the thermal environment during collection, preventing the temperature changes that would otherwise occur due to the large surface area exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the collection device or liquid pathway to match the desired beverage temperature. By actively controlling the temperature of the collecting device or the liquid during transit, the system maintains temperature consistency despite the centrifugal extraction process and environmental exposure
3Temperature
If the liquid path between thermal conditioner and processing unit is minimized, then thermal perturbations are reduced, but the device complexity increases with the integration of thermal conditioner forming conditioner cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conditioner is merged with the beverage processing unit by having the thermal conditioner body form a conditioner cavity that contains the processing unit. This integration combines thermal conditioning and beverage processing into a single unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and connections while maintaining temperature stability
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage processing unit is nested within the conditioner cavity formed by the thermal conditioner body. This nested arrangement allows the processing unit to be housed within the thermal conditioning structure, minimizing the liquid path length and reducing thermal perturbations while avoiding the complexity of separate external thermal conditioning systems
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 maintains the temperature of the liquid within a desired range, ensuring optimal extraction and preservation of beverage quality, particularly for coffee and tea, by reducing thermal perturbations and maintaining temperature consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conditioner (30) that has a body (31) forming a thermally conditioned beverage collecting surface (35)... minimizing temperature differences between inlet and outlet paths... reducing thermal perturbations
Implementation Method 2
using a thermoblock to maintain optimal temperature ranges
Data Source
AI summary
A method prepares a beverage from a capsule in a machine, the capsule containing a flavouring ingredient. The method includes: placing the capsule into a receiving space; bringing a holder and a cover from an open position into a closed position; delivering water conditioned by a thermal conditioner into an inlet of the cover, the thermal conditioner forming a conditioner cavity that defines or contains the cover; preparing the beverage by mixing the flavouring ingredient in the capsule with the water conditioned by the thermal conditioner; delivering the beverage via an outlet arrangement; and collecting the delivered beverage on a collecting surface of the thermal conditioner.