Autonomous Beverage Module Docking for Compact Footprint and Water Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular beverage production systems have limitations in terms of footprint, portability, and autonomy, with a need for improved modularity, handling, and usability, particularly in the connection and disconnection of beverage preparation modules with base stations.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a base station with a large-capacity water reservoir and an autonomous beverage preparation module with a rotatable extraction head, featuring alternative water supply means, positioning mechanisms, and a three-way valve for selective water supply, enabling efficient operation in both autonomous and docked modes, and allowing for compact storage and easy adaptation to different receptacle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beverage preparation module is designed to operate autonomously without a base station, then portability and independence are improved, but water supply capacity and continuous operation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: a compact autonomous beverage preparation module and a separate base station with large water reservoir. The module can operate independently using its own small water tank, or connect to the base station for extended operation, resolving the contradiction between portability and water supply capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage preparation module is designed with dual functionality: it can operate autonomously using its integrated small water tank for portable use, or connect to the base station's large water reservoir for extended operation. This multi-functionality allows the same device to satisfy both portability requirements and large water supply needs.
2Quantity of substance
If the beverage preparation module includes a large water reservoir, then water supply capacity is improved, but footprint and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage function is segmented from the beverage preparation function. The base station houses the large water reservoir, while the beverage module contains only a small portable tank. This segmentation allows the beverage module to maintain a compact footprint while the system as a whole provides large water supply capacity when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The small water tank of the autonomous module can be nested within or alongside the base station's large water reservoir system. When the module is docked, its small tank can be refilled from the base station's reservoir, effectively nesting the smaller storage within the larger storage system to maximize space utilization.
3Volume of moving object
If the module is designed for compact storage, then footprint is reduced, but ease of connection and disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation module incorporates a rotatable extraction head that can rotate between a working position for beverage preparation and a storage position for compact arrangement. This dynamic movement allows the module to transition between operational and storage states, maintaining ease of operation while achieving compact footprint during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction head utilizes rotational movement to change its spatial orientation, moving from a horizontal working position to a vertical storage position. This dimensional change allows the module to occupy less space during storage without compromising the functionality or ease of connection during operation.
4Device complexity
If the extraction head is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different receptacle sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction head is designed to rotate between a working position aligned with the drip tray for beverage dispensing and a storage position for compact arrangement. This rotational capability provides adaptability for different operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple structural design, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station (1) comprising a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity (12), an autonomous beverage preparation module (2) comprising an extraction head (4) and being removably connectable to the base station (1) from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, wherein the autonomous module (2) comprises a water inlet connection means (27, 27a), wherein the autonomous module (2) and the base station (1) respectively comprise matching positioning means (5a, 5b) which engage when the beverage preparation module (2) is connected to the base station (1) in the docked position, and wherein it comprises alternative water supply means (11, 29, 36) and water outlet connection means (28, 32, 36a) adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection means (27) of the module (2) for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.