Machine and system for the preparation of liquid products using capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for preparing beverages using capsules are complex, cumbersome, and prone to malfunction due to the integration of optical sensors, transfer arrangements, and other components in harsh environments, limiting their reliability and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a compact design featuring a stationary optical sensor integrated into the insertion guide, allowing for capsule recognition without the need for complex transfer mechanisms, and using a control system to manage various capsule types from different manufacturers, ensuring reliable operation and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors, transfer arrangements, and other components are integrated in harsh environments, then capsule recognition and brewing functionality are achieved, but reliability decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical sensor from the harsh brewing environment and places it in the insertion guide where conditions are more favorable. The sensor reads the capsule code during insertion before the capsule enters the brewing chamber, separating the recognition function from the harsh thermal and humid environment of the brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is divided into distinct functional zones: the insertion guide area with the optical sensor operates under different environmental conditions than the brewing chamber. This segmentation allows the sensor to operate in a more favorable micro-environment while the brewing process continues in its required high-temperature environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex transfer mechanisms are used to position capsules for sensor reading, then capsule recognition is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule itself guides the recognition process by being inserted into the guide, which automatically positions it for sensor reading. The capsule's own insertion motion brings it into the correct position relative to the stationary sensor, eliminating the need for complex external transfer mechanisms to position it.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the sensor to read the capsule code, the solution inverts the approach by making the capsule move into position under the stationary sensor. The capsule is fed through the guide and automatically positioned for reading, reversing the traditional approach where sensors are moved to objects.
3Device complexity
If the optical sensor is mounted stationary in the insertion guide, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by capsule positioning variations
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion guide serves multiple functions: it guides the capsule into the machine, positions the capsule for optical sensor reading, and maintains proper capsule orientation throughout the process. This multi-functionality ensures that a single stationary sensor can reliably read codes from various capsule types without requiring complex positioning adjustments.
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
The machine achieves a high level of reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness by recognizing capsule types and optimizing brewing parameters, enabling operation with a wide range of capsules while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor device, for detecting graphic information associated to the body of a capsule
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine for preparing liquid food products using capsules (30) comprises: - a dispensing assembly (1) having a first part (3) and a second part (5) designed to define an infusion chamber between them; - a loading arrangement including an insertion guide (7) that defines at least part of a displacement path of the capsule (30) in the dispensing assembly (1); - an actuation system (22), which operable to bring about relative movements of the first part (3) and the second part (5) between a spaced-apart position and a close position; and - a control system (9, 12-13), including processing means, non-volatile memory means and an optical sensor device (9) for acquiring characteristic information associated to an end wall of the body of a capsule (30). The loading arrangement comprises first retaining means (15), which define an intermediate retention position of the capsule (30), in such a way that the control system (9, 12-13) is able to acquire said characteristic information by way of the optical sensor device (9) when the capsule (30) is in said intermediate position of retention. The first retaining means (15) can be switched from the respective condition of retention to a respective condition of release of the capsule (30), to enable the capsule (30) to proceed along the displacement path towards the loading position.