Apparatus for making beverages by passing hot water in a capsule containing a food substance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Professional beverage-making apparatuses require users to wait for the first beverage to be completed before loading the second capsule, wasting precious time, especially in professional settings where operators have multiple tasks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that allows two capsules to be loaded before starting the brewing cycle, featuring a supporting structure with a first and second supporting element along the insertion path to manage capsule positioning and switching, enabling automatic brewing of two beverages one after another without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the apparatus is designed to make two beverages automatically one after another, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple capsule loading positions and automated switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule loading system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first capsule loading position for loading the first capsule, a second capsule loading position for loading the second capsule, and a capsule receiving position. The supporting structure is divided into a first supporting element and a second supporting element that independently support capsules at different stages of the brewing process. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation of multiple capsules without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables preliminary loading of the second capsule at the second loading position while the first capsule is still being processed or has just completed brewing. The second capsule can be positioned and supported in advance on the second supporting element, ready to be transferred to the brewing chamber immediately after the first capsule finishes, eliminating idle time between beverages.
2Loss of time
If the apparatus allows pre-loading of capsules, then loss of time is reduced, but ease of operation may worsen due to more complex loading procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second supporting elements are designed to automatically position and transfer capsules between loading positions and the brewing chamber without requiring manual intervention. The supporting structure self-manages the capsule handling process, reducing the operational burden on the user while enabling pre-loading functionality.
3Device complexity
If the apparatus uses a single supporting element for capsule loading, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inability to pre-load multiple capsules
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into a first supporting element and a second supporting element, each serving distinct functions in the capsule handling process. The first supporting element supports the first capsule during brewing, while the second supporting element pre-positions the second capsule ready for immediate transfer. This segmentation enables continuous operation without sacrificing structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule loading system utilizes a temporal dimension by implementing sequential positioning: the first supporting element handles the current brewing cycle while the second supporting element prepares the next capsule in advance. This time-based dimensionality allows overlapping operations, improving productivity without significantly increasing spatial complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for making beverages comprising; an extraction chamber (6) formed between a first part (12) and a second part (13), which are movable; an insertion duct (18) for insertion of a capsule (2), (3) in the extraction chamber (6), the insertion duct extending from an infeed section (19) equipped with a closing element (20) that is movable between a closed position and a disengaged position, and that is in the closed position when the extraction chamber (6) is closed; and at least one first supporting element (21) positioned upstream of the infeed section (19), for supporting a second capsule (3) outside the extraction unit (5) while a first capsule (2) is positioned at the extraction chamber (6); the first supporting element (21) being mechanically switchable, by one of either the first part (12) or the second part (13) or the closing element (20), from an active configuration in which it can support the capsule (2), (3), to an inactive configuration which it adopts when the first part (12) and the second part (13) are in the extraction position.