Support and capsule for preparing a beverage by centrifugation, system and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face challenges in reliably and conveniently reading information from capsules due to limited space and harsh environments, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
A support with sequentially readable symbols is integrated into the capsule, allowing for improved data storage and retrieval by positioning the symbols along the circumference of the capsule, enabling reliable reading even in harsh conditions and limited spaces, using a combination of optical and inductive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic strips or inductive areas are applied to the capsule body for identification, then capsule recognition is enabled, but the reading reliability deteriorates in harsh environments and limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/magnetic reading systems with a mechanical reading system. A relief code consisting of raised or recessed features on the capsule flange is mechanically detected by a reading head with corresponding detection elements. This mechanical detection method is insensitive to harsh environmental conditions (moisture, heat, centrifugal forces) and works reliably in the limited space of the beverage preparation machine, resolving the contradiction between reading reliability and reading convenience.
2Measurement precision
If barcodes are provided on the outside face of the capsule, then capsule type detection is enabled, but the reading accuracy deteriorates due to limited space and harsh processing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable optical barcodes with a mechanically robust relief code. The raised or recessed features are molded directly into the capsule flange structure, making them resistant to damage from harsh processing conditions including moisture, heat, and centrifugal forces. The mechanical reading head detects these features through direct contact, ensuring high reading accuracy independent of environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief code is integrated as part of the capsule's structural material (flange), combining the identification function with the mechanical structure. This integration ensures the code features are as durable as the capsule itself and cannot be damaged separately, resolving the issue of code damage in harsh environments.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the reading head rotates to scan the capsule code, then code detection is possible, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is oriented in a predetermined angular position during insertion, with the relief code positioned at a specific location on the flange. The reading head is positioned to align with this predetermined location, eliminating the need for rotation or scanning. The code is read immediately upon capsule insertion, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining detection capability.
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
Enhances the reliability and efficiency of reading capsule information, allowing for precise control of beverage preparation parameters, such as rotational speed, temperature, and flow rates, while minimizing damage from the processing module.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of optical and inductive sensors
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of optical and inductive sensors
Implementation Method 3
rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the center towards the periphery of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule for the preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.