Brew Module Energy Storage for Manual Capsule Detection and Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing modules for beverage preparation machines face challenges in detecting capsule properties before the brewing process, particularly in manually operated systems where motorized drives are not desired due to cost or noise concerns, and there is a need for a simple construction that allows for effective capsule recognition and brewing without contamination.
Innovation Solution
A brewing module with manually operated parts that store energy through mechanical work, using a spring or gas pressure mechanism to move brewing module parts relative to each other, enabling capsule recognition and brewing without a motorized drive, and incorporating a transmission mechanism for force conversion and damping to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motorized drive is used to move brewing module parts for capsule recognition and brewing, then the capsule detection position can be perfectly separated from the brewing position, but the cost increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing module parts are designed to be movable between different positions (capsule detection position and brewing position) through a manual operating element that the user can actuate. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between detection and brewing modes without requiring permanent motorized drives, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's manual operation to provide the necessary movement and energy for the brewing process. The operating element allows the user to directly control the movement of brewing module parts, eliminating the need for external motorized drives and reducing both cost and noise while maintaining operational reliability.
2Device complexity
If brewing module parts are moved manually without motorized drive, then cost is reduced and noise is minimized, but it becomes difficult to separate capsule detection position from brewing position
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing module is segmented into distinct functional areas: a capsule detection position and a brewing position. The brewing module parts can be moved to selectively position the capsule at either the detection position or the brewing position, allowing clear functional separation while maintaining manual operation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable brewing module parts that can be dynamically positioned by the user through the operating element. This allows the capsule to be presented at the detection position for recognition before being moved to the brewing position, maintaining ease of operation through manual control while achieving functional separation.
3Device complexity
If the brewing chamber is closed manually, then motorized components are reduced, but the force required to close the brewing chamber against pressure may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing process utilizes periodic action where the user periodically actuates the operating element to close the brewing chamber. The system is designed to accumulate force through the mechanical advantage of the operating element, allowing the user to apply force in stages rather than requiring continuous high force, thereby enabling manual operation while achieving sufficient closure force.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element serves multiple functions: it moves the brewing module parts between positions, closes the brewing chamber against pressure, and provides haptic feedback to the user. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate motorized components while maintaining sufficient force through mechanical design.
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
Enables efficient capsule recognition and brewing with haptic feedback, allowing for manual operation while maintaining effective energy storage and release for brewing chamber closure, ensuring proper brewing and capsule handling without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an energy store that is set up to temporarily store energy coupled into the brewing module by moving the operating element from the first to the second position and triggered by a release in a movement from the first brewing module part position to the second brewing module part position
Implementation Method 2
using a spring or gas pressure mechanism to move brewing module parts relative to each other
Implementation Method 3
An extraction liquid - generally hot water - is then introduced on the first side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A brewing module for preparing a brewed beverage from a single-serve capsule has a first brewing module part (3) and a second brewing module part (4) which can be moved, relative to the first brewing module part, between a first brewing module part position and a second brewing module part position. An operating element (6) is also provided which can be manually moved from a first operating element position to a second operating element position. The brewing module is characterized by a stored energy source (7), which is configured to intermediately store energy coupled into the brewing module by a movement of the operating element from the first to the second position, and, actuated by a release, to convert this back to a movement from the first brewing module part position to the second brewing module part position.