Beverage apparatus using capsule

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage extraction apparatuses using capsules face limitations such as fixed discharge outlets, inability to use various cup sizes, complex capsule handling, unsightly residual liquid trays, and lack of design flexibility, among others.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus separates the water supply and extraction components into distinct spaces, allowing adjustable positioning and height of the extraction part, supports it with variable-length leg drive units, and incorporates a display and residual water tray within the base, enabling simultaneous or sequential extraction from multiple capsules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the extraction part is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different cup sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cup sizesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction part is made movable through leg drive units that enable height adjustment and rotational movement. This dynamic configuration allows the discharge outlet to be positioned at optimal locations for different cup sizes and types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple capsules are installed, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage extraction efficiencyVSAvoidextraction part complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction part is designed as a multi-functional unit that can process multiple capsules simultaneously or sequentially. The same extraction mechanism serves multiple capsules through rotational positioning, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the residual liquid tray is exposed, then the ease of operation improves, but the object-generated harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetray accessibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The residual liquid tray is nested within the extraction part rather than being externally exposed. This nested configuration allows the tray to be accessed and cleaned when the extraction part is opened, maintaining ease of operation while protecting the tray from external contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Volume of stationary object

If the water tank is mounted on the outside, then the volume increases, but the shape becomes unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater tank capacityVSAvoidapparatus appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The water tank is nested within the base of the apparatus rather than being mounted externally. This integrated configuration maintains the desired water tank capacity while preserving an attractive, streamlined appearance by eliminating external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250366652A1Beverage apparatus using capsule
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20250366652A1 patent drawing
  • US20250366652A1 patent drawing
  • US20250366652A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a beverage apparatus using a capsule. In the beverage apparatus of the present invention, an extraction part (30) may be located spaced apart from the upper part of a base (10). The base (10) has a water supply part. The extraction part (30) may have a space in which a capsule (1) sits, and be configured to extract a beverage from the capsule (1). The extraction part (30) can be lifted up and down with respect to the base (10). The extraction part (30) can be supported on the base (10) by support legs (20). A display (16) is provided on the upper surface of the base (10) and can display the operation status of the beverage apparatus.