Beverage machine with a controlled capsule piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage extraction systems face variability in pressure and flow rate due to the geometry of extraction plates with raised elements, leading to high backpressure and inconsistent extraction effects, such as crema formation, especially for coffee blends with low particle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a dispensing arrangement featuring a face with controllable raised elements and a neutralizing member that can move between operative and rest positions to control the formation of beverage outlet openings in the capsule's outlet membrane, allowing for adjustable flow and pressure during extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If extraction plates with raised elements are used to create outlet openings in the capsule membrane, then beverage extraction is enabled, but backpressure increases and flow rate becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a neutralizing member that can move between operative and rest positions to dynamically control the number of outlet openings in the capsule membrane. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of flow rate and backpressure during extraction, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of outlet opening number from fixed to variable by introducing the neutralizing member. By adjusting the number of active raised elements that pierce the membrane, the system can control backpressure and flow rate, enabling consistent extraction across different coffee blends while maintaining productivity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple raised elements create multiple outlet openings, then extraction surface area increases, but flow rate consistency decreases due to variability in opening formation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors extraction parameters and adjusts the neutralizing member position to maintain optimal flow conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent flow rate by compensating for variations in capsule membrane properties and coffee blend characteristics, while maintaining adequate extraction surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active outlet openings based on detected extraction conditions. By varying the number of raised elements that pierce the membrane, the system maintains consistent flow rate while preserving sufficient extraction surface area for efficient beverage preparation.
3Productivity
If the outlet membrane is deformed against raised elements to create openings, then beverage flow is enabled, but extraction uniformity varies across different coffee blends
Solution Approach 1:
The neutralizing member provides dynamic control over the number of outlet openings, allowing the system to adapt to different coffee blend characteristics. This enables consistent extraction uniformity across various blends while maintaining adequate beverage flow rate through optimized opening configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system with neutralizing member provides universal adaptability to different capsule types and coffee blends. By adjusting the number and arrangement of active raised elements, the system achieves consistent extraction results across diverse beverage preparations, making the extraction process universally applicable.
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
This solution enables precise control over the extraction process, reducing backpressure and enhancing extraction effects like crema formation by adjusting the number and timing of outlet openings, resulting in a more consistent beverage quality across different coffee blends.
Implementation Method 1
a neutralizing member (23a) that is movable adjacent said controllable raised element (225a) between an operative position in which said controllable raised element (225a) is prevented from forming a beverage outlet opening in the outlet membrane (101) and a rest position in which said controllable raised element (225a) is enabled to form a beverage outlet opening in the outlet membrane (101)
Implementation Method 2
to introduce water under pressure via a water injector into the capsule, to deform the outlet membrane or cover
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for preparing a beverage from a capsule includes a capsule extraction seat, an inlet arrangement for guiding water into the seat and a dispensing arrangement for guiding beverage out of the seat. The dispensing arrangement has a face delimiting a downstream part of the seat, the face bearing one or more raised elements that project upstream and that are configured for forming one or more beverage outlet openings in the outlet membrane of the capsule in the seat. The raised element(s) are fixed relative to or integral with the face and include at least one controllable raised element. The face is associated with an opening control arrangement configured to control the formation of the outlet opening(s) in the outlet membrane by the controllable raised element. The opening control arrangement has at least one neutralizing member that is movable between an operative position and a rest position.