Beverage preparation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges with flexible container materials, where piercing is difficult due to deformation, leading to potential leaks and inefficient beverage preparation, and there is a need for improved container removal and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A beverage production system comprising a pack with a plane shape and an openable bottom side, and a module with a movable fluid processing device and a pack holder assembly that includes a door and a locking device, allowing for efficient piercing, beverage preparation, and removal of the pack holder assembly for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible container is used for beverage preparation, then compactness and recyclability are improved, but piercing difficulty increases due to deformation under force
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the container in a vertical orientation within the pack holder assembly before the piercing operation. This preliminary action stabilizes the flexible container, preventing deformation during the subsequent piercing process, thereby resolving the contradiction between using flexible materials and achieving reliable piercing.
2Productivity
If the fluid processing device pierces the flexible container bottom, then beverage preparation is enabled, but fluid leaks occur due to container deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by maintaining a vertical orientation of the flexible container during the piercing and beverage preparation process. This parameter change (vertical positioning) prevents the container from deforming under fluid pressure, thereby eliminating leaks while maintaining efficient beverage preparation.
3Device complexity
If the container is removed manually after beverage dispensing, then the system is simple, but cleanliness deteriorates due to liquid dripping
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary structure - a pack holder assembly with a receptacle - that acts as a mediator between the beverage preparation process and the user. The receptacle catches any remaining liquid in the container, preventing drips and mess while the user handles the container, thus resolving the contradiction between simple manual removal and maintaining cleanliness.
4Productivity
If the jet of water force is strong for efficient mixing, then beverage preparation speed is improved, but container upward movement occurs causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a counteracting force through the pack holder assembly that holds the container in a vertical position. This counterweight effect opposes the upward force generated by the water jet, preventing container displacement and maintaining connection stability while still allowing efficient mixing at high speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a beverage production system comprising a pack (10) and a module (1) for producing a beverage from said pack,—said module (1) comprising:. a movable fluid processing device (11) to introduce a fluid in said pack and to dispense a beverage from the pack, and.a pack holder assembly (2), said pack holder assembly comprising a pack chamber (22 and a door (23),. the door (23) is movable relatively to the pack chamber and is configured to be positioned in at least:. a first opened position wherein said door uncovers the pack inlet (222) of the pack chamber, and. a second closed position wherein said door covers the pack inlet (222) of the pack chamber and is able to enclose the pack inside the pack chamber, wherein, when the door (23) is in the first opened position, the whole pack holder assembly (2) is removable from the module (1).