Capsule Beverage System with Adaptive Injection Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices are unable to provide optimal injection and extraction parameters for capsules of different configurations, such as varying packaging material, size, filling degree, compaction, and granulometry, leading to suboptimal beverage preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation device with an injection module featuring first and second enclosing members that can be adjusted to different positions based on information read from the capsule or user input, allowing for optimal engagement and liquid injection into capsules of diverse configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the upper enclosing member exerts constant force onto the capsule, then the device structure is simple, but the capsule outlet face may be opened too early resulting in not optimal pressure profile and overcompaction of ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable upper enclosing member that can adjust its position dynamically during the beverage preparation process. The member transitions from an initial position where it contacts the capsule to a final position where it engages the capsule, allowing the force application to be optimized throughout the process. This dynamic adjustment enables optimal pressure profile and prevents overcompaction of ingredients while maintaining reasonable device structure.
2Device complexity
If the upper enclosing member is positioned for standard capsules, then the device structure is simple, but capsules of different sizes and configurations cannot receive optimal injection and extraction parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The upper enclosing member is designed to be movable between at least two positions: an initial position and a final position. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different capsule configurations including various sizes, filling degrees, and compaction levels. The member can adjust its engagement with the capsule based on the specific capsule inserted, enabling optimal injection and extraction parameters for diverse capsule types without requiring multiple fixed structures.
3Ease of operation
If the upper enclosing member does not properly contact the inlet face, then the device operation is simple, but the inlet face may only be partially pierced resulting in loss of extraction yield and crema
Solution Approach 1:
The movable upper enclosing member ensures proper contact with the capsule inlet face by transitioning from an initial position to a final position where it engages the capsule. This dynamic engagement mechanism guarantees reliable piercing of the inlet face for optimal extraction yield and crema formation, while the automated movement maintains operational simplicity for the user.
4Device complexity
If the enclosing members are fixed in predefined positions, then the device structure is simple, but optimal injection and extraction parameters cannot be provided for different capsule types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable upper enclosing member that can adjust its position to provide optimal injection and extraction parameters for different capsule types. The member transitions between initial and final positions, enabling dynamic optimization of the beverage preparation process for various capsule configurations, sizes, and contents, thereby improving beverage preparation quality while maintaining reasonable device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (100) for preparing a beverage upon interaction of ingredients provided in a capsule (5) with liquid supplied thereto, the device comprising an injection module (10) comprising a first (1) and a cooperating second enclosing member (2) designed for being moved relatively to each other, the first enclosing member being equipped with capsule opening and injection means (3) for opening a first inlet face (5a) of a capsule (5) and inject liquid into the capsule, the first and second enclosing member (1,2) being designed for being brought into at least a first capsule insertion position for inserting a capsule between the enclosing members (1,2) and a second capsule enclosing position in which the opening and injection means (3) engage the liquid inlet face (5a) of the capsule (5), the device (100) further comprising control means (13) designed for setting at least the capsule enclosing position based on information read from the capsule and/or based on information provided by a user input.