System for preparing a beverage

Solution Overview

Problem

Systems for preparing beverages using capsules become complex and expensive when designed to accommodate multiple capsules of different sizes, leading to difficulties in handling and cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A compact beverage preparation system with a brew chamber that can adapt to both smaller and larger capsules using a movable central portion and sealing members to ensure fluid sealing engagement, allowing the system to function with either capsule size without changing its configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus is designed to accommodate multiple types of capsules of different sizes, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule compatibilityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brew chamber is designed with a universal cavity that can accommodate multiple capsule types through a movable central portion that adjusts its position based on capsule size. The sealing members are configured to work with different capsule diameters, allowing one apparatus to serve multiple functions without requiring separate brewing chambers for each capsule type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The central portion of the brew chamber is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to match different capsule sizes. This dynamic adjustment enables the same physical structure to adapt to varying capsule dimensions, reducing the need for multiple static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus structure is expanded to handle multiple capsule sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation and cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule size accommodationVSAvoidhandling and cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brew chamber is segmented into a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part, with the central portion being movable between positions. This segmentation allows the sealing members to be strategically positioned to work with different capsule sizes while maintaining a compact overall structure that is easier to handle and clean compared to fully expanded configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a fixed configuration brew chamber is used, then the device simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different capsule sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrew chamber configurationVSAvoidcapsule size compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The central portion of the brew chamber is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to match different capsule sizes. This dynamic adjustment enables the same physical structure to adapt to varying capsule dimensions, reducing the need for multiple static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brew chamber is designed with a universal cavity that can accommodate multiple capsule types through a movable central portion that adjusts its position based on capsule size. The sealing members are configured to work with different capsule diameters, allowing one apparatus to serve multiple functions without requiring separate brewing chambers for each capsule type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11129493B2System for preparing a beverage

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 KONINK DOUWE EGBERTS BV

AI summary

A system for preparing a quantity of beverage suitable for consumption, including an apparatus including a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of a first and second exchangeable capsules, the second exchangeable capsule having a larger diameter than the first exchangeable capsule, wherein the second brew chamber part includes a central portion and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion includes a second sealing member arranged for providing a fluid sealing engagement between the peripheral portion and the first brew chamber part when forming the brew chamber for holding the second exchangeable capsule.