Beverage pod system

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in handling containers of different sizes efficiently without the use of motors, leading to increased manufacturing and energy costs.

Innovation Solution

An extraction device with movable upstream and downstream pod enclosing parts that adjust to different pod sizes, featuring a pod holder that is removable and manually operated, allowing for efficient piercing and extraction without motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a motor is used to move the chamber parts to enclose containers of different sizes, then the system can automatically handle various container sizes, but the manufacturing cost and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle containers of different sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's manual insertion action to automatically trigger the sequence of operations. When the user inserts a container, the end wall moves forward and automatically positions piercing elements, activates heating, and controls liquid dispensing based on the container size detected during insertion, eliminating the need for external motors or automated actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a passive mechanical approach where the container itself and the user's insertion motion drive the operational sequence. The end wall's movement converts the manual insertion force into automated positioning and control actions, substituting active motor control with passive mechanical response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a motor is used to move the chamber parts to enclose containers of different sizes, then the system can automatically handle various container sizes, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle containers of different sizesVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's manual insertion action to automatically trigger the sequence of operations. When the user inserts a container, the end wall moves forward and automatically positions piercing elements, activates heating, and controls liquid dispensing based on the container size detected during insertion, eliminating the need for external motors or automated actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a passive mechanical approach where the container itself and the user's insertion motion drive the operational sequence. The end wall's movement converts the manual insertion force into automated positioning and control actions, substituting active motor control with passive mechanical response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the end wall is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot accommodate containers of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidability to accommodate different container sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The end wall is designed to move forward when the user inserts a container, dynamically adjusting the chamber volume to match the container size. This dynamic movement allows the same structure to accommodate various container dimensions without requiring multiple fixed configurations or complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable end wall enables a single chamber structure to serve multiple functions by adapting its volume to different container sizes. The same chamber can efficiently enclose and process containers ranging from small to large dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized chambers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250241473A1Beverage pod system

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

The invention concerns n extraction device for extracting a beverage ingredient from a pod (3) said device comprising upstream and downstream pod enclosing parts (1, 2) movable between an open position for inserting and removing the pod (3) and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber (5), and wherein, in the upstream pod enclosing part (1), the cage (21) comprises: —a side wall (211) movable between the open position and the closed position, and —an end wall (22) presenting a front face (22a) bearing piercing elements (222) and liquid outlet openings (223), said end wall (22) being movable inside the side wall (211), and wherein: —in the opened position for inserting and removing the pod (3), said end wall (22) is positioned at the opened front end (214) of the side wall, and is freely movable in direction of the back end (213)—in the course of the movement of the upstream enclosing part (2) from the opened position to the closed position, the free movement of the end wall (22) is automatically mechanically blocked when the chamber upstream enclosing part (2) reaches a pre-determined position.