Brewing unit for sequentially preparing a beverage and device and method for preparing a beverage from at least two capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing units for sequential preparation of drinks from multiple capsules are complex and prone to malfunctions due to the use of solenoid valves, which are costly and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A brewing unit design featuring a single water delivery unit that moves relative to two capsule receptacles, eliminating the need for valves and allowing for simple, reliable operation by switching between receptacles, with each receptacle having its own injector for leak-free preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are used to control water supply to multiple capsule chambers, then sequential beverage preparation is enabled, but the system becomes complex and susceptible to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes solenoid valves and complex control systems from the brewing unit, extracting the problematic components that caused malfunctions. Instead, it uses a simple carousel magazine with manual capsule selection, eliminating the need for electronic controls while maintaining sequential beverage preparation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables user-operated capsule selection and insertion into the carousel magazine, replacing automated valve control with manual operation. This self-service approach simplifies the machine's control system while maintaining the ability to prepare multiple beverages sequentially.
2Productivity
If solenoid valves are used for controlling water supply, then multiple capsules can be processed sequentially, but the reliability decreases due to increased susceptibility to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts solenoid valves and electronic control systems from the brewing unit, removing the components that reduced reliability. The simplified mechanical carousel system with manual capsule selection eliminates points of failure associated with electronic controls while maintaining sequential processing capability.
3Device complexity
If a single water dispensing unit is used for multiple capsule holders, then the design is simplified, but the unit must be movable to contact different holders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable water dispensing unit that can be positioned to contact different capsule holders in the carousel. This dynamic positioning allows a single water supply system to serve multiple capsules sequentially, simplifying the overall design while maintaining operational flexibility through mechanical movement rather than electronic control.
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 solution simplifies the brewing unit design, reduces the risk of leakage, and allows for easy cleaning and hygiene, particularly when handling milk or milk powder capsules, while enabling the use of various capsule sizes and types without the need for additional space or complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the water dispensing unit itself has an injector (cannula) for piercing the capsule
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a brewing unit (1) for sequentially preparing a beverage from at least two capsules, comprising at least a first and a second capsule holder (2) and a water feed having a single water-dispensing unit (3) for feeding water to the capsule holder (2). The capsule holder (2) and the water-dispensing unit (3) can be moved in relation to each other in such a way that the water-dispensing unit (3) can be brought into or has an operative connection to the first capsule holder (3) in a first position and to the second capsule holder (3) in a second position.