Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges with slow flow rates, contamination, and residue issues, especially when dispensing cold drinks, as powder does not dissolve effectively, leading to poor quality output and unsightly residue in machines.
Innovation Solution
A single-serve beverage system using proprietary capsules that mix powder or liquid with filtered water, employing a peeling mechanism to access the capsule contents, ensuring effective mixing and minimal residue, with optional vibration for complete mixing and a finishing stream for uniform distribution in the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If powder is mixed with cold liquid in a capsule, then beverage preparation is enabled, but powder does not dissolve effectively leading to residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration mechanism that agitates the capsule contents during the mixing process. This mechanical vibration breaks up powder clumps and enhances contact between powder particles and liquid, ensuring complete dissolution even with cold liquids that have lower solubility. The vibration continues until the beverage is fully prepared, preventing residue formation.
2Productivity
If pressure mechanism is used to open capsule, then mixing is enabled, but powder contamination and residue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing process from the external environment and confines it entirely within the sealed capsule. The capsule is opened only after mixing is complete, and the beverage is dispensed directly from the capsule without exposing powder to external surfaces. This extraction of the mixing operation into the capsule eliminates powder contamination of external components.
3Reliability
If filter is wetted and sags on support member, then filtration is achieved, but flow rate becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic pressure to force the beverage through the filter and support member structure. The pressure mechanism overcomes the resistance created by the sagging filter and narrow flow paths, maintaining high flow rates while ensuring complete filtration. The pressurized flow prevents the filter from blocking the output.
4Ease of operation
If capsule is punctured to drain syrup, then beverage dispensing is enabled, but cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule serves itself by containing the entire mixing and dispensing process within its sealed structure. The capsule is opened only after mixing is complete, and the beverage flows out through the capsule's own opening mechanism without contacting external surfaces. This self-contained approach prevents cross-contamination between capsules and with machine components.
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 provides convenient, cost-effective, and hygienic beverage dispensing with improved hydration options, reducing carbon emissions and waste, while being eco-friendly and easy to recycle, with no cross-contamination and efficient mixing of beverages.
Implementation Method 1
A mixing stream mixes the capsule contents with water
Implementation Method 2
A mixing stream mixes the capsule contents with water
Implementation Method 3
with optional vibration for complete mixing
Implementation Method 4
a finishing stream for uniform distribution in the glass
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device that supplies an alternative to bottled water and other water based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The invention offers a convenient, reliable, and cost effective Point of Use solution to the consumer's hydration and beverage needs which includes a single-serve beverage system that can produce unlimited chilled filtered water as well as single serve unique beverages through a capsule-based system. The invention can provide cold, hot, still (not sparkling), flavored, enhanced, ultra purified filtered waters and flavors. The capsules contain a powder or a liquid which is mixed into the filtered water to produce the beverage. The drinks can be “house formulas” or common mass market branded beverages licensed from the manufacturers. The system opens a beverage capsule, sprays mixing fluid into it, rotates it, and then sprays finishing fluid into it which causes the contents to empty into a drinking cup.