Capsule Beverage Dispensing for Hot-Cold Versatility and Clean Dispense
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines lack versatility in producing a variety of both hot and cold beverages and often leave residues that can contaminate subsequent drinks.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing machine that uses a capsule system with a movable positioning arrangement to inject pressurized hot or cold water into capsules containing soluble, percolable, or infusion products, allowing for the production of a wide range of beverages while ensuring no residues are left behind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single beverage dispensing machine is used, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in producing different types of beverages (hot and cold) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal beverage dispensing machine that can produce both hot and cold beverages using a single device. The machine incorporates multiple beverage containers (hot beverage container and cold beverage container) that can be selectively positioned into the dispensing position, allowing one machine to perform multiple beverage types without requiring separate dedicated machines for each beverage category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the beverage containers to be moved between different positions (in use position and out of use position). The positioning arrangement dynamically adjusts which container is active based on the desired beverage type, enabling the machine to adapt its configuration during operation rather than being fixed to a single beverage type.
2Reliability
If residues remain in the machine after dispensing, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but contamination of subsequent beverages occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beverage container as a separate, removable component that can be completely removed from the dispensing position after use. By taking the container (which holds the beverage and any potential residues) out of the machine rather than leaving it in place, the system prevents residue contamination of the machine's internal dispensing mechanisms. The container becomes a disposable or easily cleanable external element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable beverage containers that are discarded after a single use. Each container is used once to dispense a beverage and then removed and discarded, ensuring that no residues from one beverage can contaminate the next beverage. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex cleaning mechanisms while maintaining high hygiene standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beverage containers are positioned in the machine, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beverage storage system into separate, independent containers (hot beverage container and cold beverage container) that can be individually positioned and managed. Each container is a distinct unit with its own positioning mechanism, allowing independent control of each beverage type without requiring complex integrated systems that would need to manage multiple beverages within a single complex structure.
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
Enables the production of a diverse range of both hot and cold beverages with improved quality by effectively utilizing different types of products and preventing contamination between dispensed drinks.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit arranged for heating water to prepare a hot beverage
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerating unit arranged for cooling water to prepare a cold beverage
Implementation Method 3
injecting a fluid, typically pressurised hot water or pressurised cold water inside a capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing machine for producing a beverage from a capsule containing a product, includes an injecting arrangement arranged for piercing a covering element of the capsule and injecting into the latter a liquid interacting with the product to make a beverage, a housing element provided with a seat into which the capsule is insertable, a dispensing unit for dispensing said liquid into the capsule, said housing element rests on elastic elements and is slidable inside a chamber obtained in a box element that is insertable into a space of the dispensing unit, the chamber being provided with a fixed support intended for constituting a rest for a bottom of the capsule when the latter is inserted into the seat.