Brewing Unit Lid Sealing for Multi-Capsule Beverage Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve coffee and espresso machines require different machines for variously sized and shaped coffee pads or capsules, leading to complexity and inconvenience in handling and sealing, with prior solutions involving cumbersome adapters that complicate force distribution and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A beverage machine with a brewing unit that accommodates different types of portable holders, featuring integrated sealing members in the lid to form distinct brewing chambers for pads and capsules, allowing for easy switching between types without complex adapters, ensuring improved sealing and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different adapters are used for each type of pad or capsule, then compatibility with different pad/capsule types is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple parts needing assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing unit is designed with a universal holder that can accommodate different types of pads and capsules without requiring separate adapters for each type. The holder includes a receptacle with adaptable sealing mechanisms that work with various pod and capsule dimensions and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and holder function are merged into a single integrated structure. The lid includes integrated sealing members that directly seal against the holder, combining what would otherwise require separate adapter components into one unified brewing unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complicated adapters with multiple parts are used, then compatibility with different pad/capsule types is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and holder function are merged into a single integrated structure. The lid includes integrated sealing members that directly seal against the holder, combining what would otherwise require separate adapter components into one unified brewing unit.
3Reliability
If different sealing members are used for different holder types, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid includes different sealing members positioned at different locations to seal against different types of holders. Each sealing member is specifically positioned and sized for its intended holder type (pad holder or capsule holder), providing optimized sealing for each configuration without requiring complex interchangeable sealing systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage machine, comprising: a brewing unit (10) with (i) a main body (12) defining a hollow (14) for receiving different types of portable pad and/or capsule holders (16, 18, 18'), and (ii) a lid (20) connected to the main body (12) for opening and closing the hollow (14); a first holder (16) for receiving a first type of pad or capsule which encapsulates an extractable food product; and a second holder (18, 18') for receiving a second type of pad or capsule which encapsulates an extractable food product. The shape of the hollow (14) is configured such that it may either receive the first or the second holder (16, 18, 18'). The lid (20) comprises (i) a first sealing member (28) which is configured to seal a first brewing chamber (42) between the lid (20) and the first holder (16), when the first holder (16) is inserted into the hollow (14), and (ii) a second sealing member (30) which is different from the first sealing member (28) and configured to seal a second brewing chamber (46) between the lid (20) and the second holder (18, 18'), when the second holder (18, 18') is inserted into the hollow (14).