Beverage Pad Spout Opening for Variable Cup Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using pads with fluid flow restriction holders are inflexible in varying the amount and strength of beverages prepared, as they require different holders for each pad type and cannot optimize fluid supply based on specific products like coffee.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of pads with spout openings of varying cross-sections to control flow resistance, allowing users to select between smaller and larger pads for preparing different beverage amounts by adjusting the spout opening's cross-sectional area, enabling precise control over the amount of beverage dispensed based on the pad used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a holder with flow restriction is used to control beverage amount, then the amount of beverage can be controlled, but it requires different holders for each pad type and cannot optimize fluid supply based on specific products
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction function is extracted from the holder and transferred to the pad itself through the spout opening design. The pad now independently controls beverage flow rate and amount through its spout opening cross-sectional area, eliminating the need for different holders for different pad types.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad becomes self-sufficient by incorporating the flow restriction function directly into its spout opening. Each pad is designed with a specific spout opening cross-sectional area that automatically determines the beverage flow rate and prepared amount, without requiring external holder intervention.
2Quantity of substance
If the spout opening cross section is reduced to control flow rate, then beverage amount is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls beverage amount by changing a single geometric parameter - the cross-sectional area of the spout opening. By varying this parameter, different beverage amounts are achieved without adding structural complexity to the pad design.
3Device complexity
If a single holder is used for all pad types, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to vary beverage amount and strength is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different pad types are designed with different local characteristics - specifically, different spout opening cross-sectional areas. This allows a single simple holder to work with multiple pad types, each providing different beverage amounts and strengths through its unique spout opening design.
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 allows users to easily select the amount of beverage prepared by choosing between pads with different spout opening sizes, ensuring the flow resistance matches the intended beverage volume, optimizing the preparation process for specific products like coffee.
Implementation Method 1
a spout opening (44) for generating, with the spout opening (44), a jet of the beverage that leaves the pad
Implementation Method 2
The flow resistance experienced by the fluid as a result of the spout opening is thus determined by the pad
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~3
Figure 2~4b
AI summary
An assembly of a first and a second pad for preparing a smaller or a larger, such as a normal', amount of beverage, each having a covering filled with product to be extracted and/or to be dissolved, wherein, in use, a fluid such as water is supplied under pressure to the pad, so that the fluid is pressed, through the pad for obtaining a beverage which, thereupon, leaves the pad, each provided with a spout opening for generating, with the spout opening, a jet of the beverage that leaves the pad for obtaining the fine bubble froth layer on the beverage, with the aid of the jet, wherein, for preparing a smaller amount of beverage, a cross section of the spout opening of the first pad is selected to be smaller than a cross section of a spout opening of the second pad.