System for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule-based beverage preparation machines face challenges in producing beverages of varying quantities without compromising quality, as differently sized capsules require complex machine designs to maintain optimal brewing conditions and appearance consistency.
Innovation Solution
A system with a brew chamber assembly that accommodates both smaller and larger capsules by adjusting internal volumes and using interchangeable capsules with similar dimensions to minimize waste water and ensure consistent quality, featuring a movable brew chamber part and sealing mechanisms to maintain pressure and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single brew chamber is designed to accommodate smaller capsules, then the capsule fits properly, but larger capsules cannot be accommodated without creating waste water accumulation space
Solution Approach 1:
The brew chamber is divided into two separate parts: a first brew chamber part with a cavity for smaller capsules and a second brew chamber part for larger capsules. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific capsule sizes, eliminating waste water accumulation while maintaining proper sealing and brewing quality for both capsule types.
2Reliability
If differently sized capsules are used for different beverage quantities, then beverage quality is maintained, but the machine design becomes complex to receive various capsule sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The brew chamber assembly is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both smaller and larger capsules using the same brewing mechanism. The first and second brew chamber parts can be selectively positioned based on capsule size, allowing a single machine to handle different capsule types without requiring completely separate brewing systems, thus maintaining beverage quality while managing design complexity.
3Ease of operation
If capsules have the same appearance for recognition, then user identification is easy, but the machine must handle size variations which complicates the brewing chamber design
Solution Approach 1:
The brew chamber assembly incorporates dynamic elements that can adapt to different capsule sizes. The first and second brew chamber parts can be selectively positioned or configured based on the inserted capsule type, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its internal geometry to match the capsule being used, thereby simplifying the handling of size variations while maintaining a unified capsule appearance for user recognition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for efficient preparation of beverages in predefined quantities using either capsule size without compromising quality, minimizing waste water and maintaining a consistent appearance, thus addressing the challenges of size variability and quality consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, under pressure to the first brew chamber part
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preparing beverage, including a second exchangeable capsule, and arranged for optionally including a first exchangeable capsule. The second capsule is larger than the first capsule. The system also includes an apparatus with a first brew chamber part and a second brew chamber part forming a brew chamber for selectively holding one of the capsules and a fluid dispensing device for supplying fluid under pressure to the first brew chamber part. The first brew chamber part has a cavity for selectively holding the first or second capsule. The first brew chamber part may include a first volume not occupied by the first exchangeable capsule when holding this capsule. The first brew chamber part may include a second volume not occupied by the second exchangeable capsule when holding this capsule. The invention further relates to a brew chamber assembly, an apparatus, a set of capsules, a method of preparing a beverage, a capsule, and several adapters.