Beverage preparation device and method for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation devices complicate user control with numerous parameters, leading to potential erroneous selections and material wastage, as users struggle to adjust blending ratios and ingredient combinations without clear feedback.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation device and method that utilize a user interface where parameter values are dependent on position in a monotonic manner, allowing intuitive control through a graphical interface with stepwise or non-linear relationships, enabling users to predict changes in beverage composition by selecting positions in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space, with visual feedback to confirm selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides numerous parameters for controlling beverage composition, then the user has more options for customizing the beverage, but the operation becomes more complicated and the risk of erroneous selections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional selection space where the x-direction controls one parameter (e.g., blend between main product and additives) and the y-direction controls another parameter (e.g., blend between different additives). This dimensional organization allows users to navigate complex beverage customization options through intuitive spatial positioning rather than navigating through multiple menus and settings, thereby maintaining high adaptability while improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows users to control blending ratios, then the beverage customization capability is enhanced, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single two-dimensional selection interface. By combining the control of different blending ratios and ingredient combinations into one unified spatial selection space, the device reduces the apparent complexity for the user while maintaining the capability to control multiple parameters. The monotonic relationship between position and parameter values further simplifies the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from discrete controls to continuous spatial positioning. The x and y coordinates in the selection space directly correspond to parameter values through monotonic relationships, allowing users to control blending ratios by simply positioning a selector in the two-dimensional space rather than adjusting multiple discrete controls. This parameter transformation simplifies the user interface while preserving full control capability.
3Ease of operation
If the device delivers beverage with built-in disposables, then the operation is simplified, but material wastage occurs when erroneous selections are made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms that display the selected beverage composition and parameters before the actual beverage delivery occurs. This feedback allows users to verify their selections in the two-dimensional space and correct erroneous choices before material is wasted. The system shows the resulting blend ratios and ingredient combinations based on the selected position, enabling users to make informed decisions and avoid wasteful erroneous deliveries.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation device is provided comprising a preparation unit for preparing a beverage. The preparation unit is arranged for controllably blending a plurality of ingredients incorporable in the beverage. The device further comprises a control unit for enabling a user to control the preparation unit and that comprises a graphical user interface and a processing unit. The graphical user interface has an operational mode enabling the user to indicate a position in an at least two-dimensional space. Therein a respective value of said at least a first and a second parameter is set in accordance with respective components of the indicated position in respective directions in said space, the respective value of said at least a first and second parameter being dependent on the components of said position in said respective directions in a monotonic manner. Subsequently the processing unit drives the preparation unit in accordance with the formulation specified by the user.