Brewing device for producing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing devices for producing beverages from disposable capsules are complex and costly, particularly when accommodating capsules of different sizes, as they require sophisticated motorized actuators and electronic control systems.
Innovation Solution
A brewing device with two movable parts that adjust to accommodate capsules of varying sizes, using a cup-shaped body and a transverse body with a movable injection assembly and extraction assembly, allowing for automatic brewing without the need for complex actuators, and featuring a blocking device to handle capsules of different heights and diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motorized actuators and electronic control systems are used to accommodate different capsule sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cup-shaped body incorporates two elements that can move relative to each other, creating a dynamic structure that adapts to different capsule sizes. The first element remains stationary while the second element moves along the longitudinal axis, allowing the internal volume to adjust automatically based on capsule dimensions without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the capsule itself to trigger the adaptation mechanism. When a capsule is inserted, its size automatically determines the position of the movable element through mechanical interaction, eliminating the need for external sensors, motors, or electronic control. The structure serves itself by using the object being processed to activate the appropriate configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated electronic control systems are implemented, then brewing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical solution. The movable element is actuated by the physical presence and dimensions of the capsule itself through mechanical constraints and guides, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, motors, and control circuits while maintaining precise positioning for brewing
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to work with disposable capsules, and the adaptation mechanism uses simple, low-cost mechanical components rather than expensive electronic systems. The focus is on creating a durable, reusable device structure that accommodates various single-use capsule sizes through simple mechanical means
3Device complexity
If the cup-shaped body is fixed in size, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different capsule sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup-shaped body is segmented into two distinct elements: a first element that forms part of the structure and a second element that can move relative to the first. This segmentation allows the overall structure to remain simple while the combination of elements creates adaptability through their relative movement and positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A brewing device for producing a beverage from two differently sized capsules; the brewing device comprising two parts opposite and mutually movable between an open or loading position of a capsule and a closing or brewing position, one of the two parts defined by a cup-shaped body formed by a first portion and by a second portion defining between them a seat designed to receive the capsule during a movement of the cup-shaped body towards the closing position; the second portion designed to slide with respect to the first portion between a smaller seat position and a larger seat position due to the interaction with the larger capsule during the movement of the cup-shaped body towards the closing position; and a blocking device provided to define, in the closing position, a constraint to keep the second portion still only when the second portion is in the normal smaller seat position.