Brewing unit, beverage preparation machine and beverage preparation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines with brewing units face challenges in easy operation, capsule handling, and efficient cleaning, particularly in preventing damage to capsules during insertion and removal, and ensuring proper extraction without contamination.
Innovation Solution
A brewing unit design with movable chamber halves and holding means that allow capsules to be easily inserted and removed without mechanical contact, featuring a separate access for rinsing and a movable ejector for capsule ejection, along with controlled fluid conduits and valves for efficient cleaning and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the brewing chamber halves are kept close together, then the capsule is securely held during brewing, but the capsule cannot be easily removed or inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber halves are designed to be movable relative to each other, transitioning between an open position for capsule insertion/removal and a closed position for secure brewing. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, enabling easy capsule handling when open and secure containment when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber is divided into two separable halves that can move independently. This segmentation allows the chamber to open for capsule insertion and close for brewing, providing both accessibility and secure containment at different operational stages without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the brewing chamber halves are spaced apart, then the capsule can be easily inserted and removed, but the capsule may fall through between the halves
Solution Approach 1:
A holding means is introduced as an intermediary element between the brewing chamber halves. This holding means temporarily secures the capsule in position when the chamber halves are spaced apart, preventing the capsule from falling through while still allowing easy insertion and removal. The holding means acts as a mediator that enables both accessibility and capsule retention during the open state.
3Reliability
If holding means are used to secure the capsule, then the capsule is held in position during brewing, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding means is designed to automatically engage with the capsule when the brewing chamber halves are positioned correctly, without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The capsule itself interacts with the holding means through its geometric features, allowing the system to secure the capsule through passive mechanical interaction rather than active control systems.
4Productivity
If the brewing chamber is sealed tightly, then beverage extraction is efficient, but cleaning and rinsing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber halves are designed to move between closed and open positions, allowing the chamber to be sealed tightly during beverage extraction for efficient brewing, and then opened for easy access during cleaning and rinsing operations. This dynamic configuration enables the system to optimize for both extraction efficiency and maintenance accessibility at different operational stages.
Data Source
AI summary
Brewing unit of a beverage preparation machine with a brewing chamber (10) and a brewing chamber surface (15), wherein the brewing chamber (10) is designed to be substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis (16) directed from a first brewing chamber half (11) to a second brewing chamber half (12). The brewing chamber (10) has a maximum axial extension (17) in the direction of the axis (16), which is smaller than the largest diameter (18) transverse to the axis (16). Furthermore, the brewing chamber (10) has a thickness (19) in the area of the axis (16) which is equal to or smaller than the axial expansion (17).