System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation systems are limited in the range of beverages they can produce, and existing apparatuses with variable-volume brewing chambers often fail to reliably accommodate different sized capsules, leading to inconsistent beverage quality.

Innovation Solution

A system with a brew chamber comprising movable parts that adapt to different sized capsules, ensuring reliable positioning and consistent quality by using a locking mechanism to secure capsules in the appropriate brewing position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variable-volume brewing chamber with moveable delimiting bottom part is used to accommodate different sized capsules, then the adaptability to different capsule sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different capsule sizesVSAvoidbrewing chamber structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing chamber is divided into a stationary first brew chamber part and a moveable second brew chamber part. The moveable part includes a delimiting bottom part that can be positioned at different heights to accommodate different capsule sizes, while the rest of the chamber structure remains fixed and simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The delimiting bottom part of the second brew chamber part is made moveable between different positions (first brewing position and second brewing position) to dynamically adapt the chamber volume to different capsule sizes. This allows a single chamber structure to serve multiple functions without requiring multiple fixed chamber configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a moveable delimiting bottom part is used to adapt brewing chamber volume, then the adaptability to different capsule sizes is improved, but the reliability of capsule positioning deteriorates under pressurized conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different capsule sizesVSAvoidcapsule alignment reliability under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The delimiting bottom part is pre-positioned at the appropriate brewing position (first or second position) before the brewing process begins and before pressure is applied. This preliminary positioning ensures that when pressure is applied during brewing, the capsule is already correctly aligned and the moveable part remains stable in its predetermined position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the second brew chamber part have different functions: the delimiting bottom part is moveable to adapt to different capsule sizes, while the peripheral portion remains stationary to provide stable support and alignment. This local differentiation of mobility ensures both adaptability and positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the brewing chamber volume is adapted for different capsule sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and beverage quality consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different capsule sizesVSAvoidbeverage quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The delimiting bottom part is pre-positioned at standardized brewing positions (first brewing position for smaller capsules, second brewing position for larger capsules) before brewing begins. These pre-defined positions ensure consistent brewing parameters and beverage quality regardless of capsule size, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during brewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the volume parameter of the brewing chamber by moving the delimiting bottom part to different positions, while keeping other critical brewing parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) consistent. This allows adaptation to different capsule sizes without compromising beverage quality consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12402749B2System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 KONINK DOUWE EGBERTS BV

AI summary

A system for preparing a quantity of beverage, including first and second capsules, and an apparatus including a first and a second brew chamber part, wherein at least a portion of the second brew chamber part is movable into a first and a second brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part is movable between a loading position and a brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part in the brewing position together with the at least one portion of the second brew chamber part in the first brewing position and in the second position define respective closed positions in which the first exchangeable capsule and the second capsule fit in the brew chamber, respectively. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a method and a capsule.