Symmetrical Beverage Capsule Orientation for Parameter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack flexibility in allowing users to finely tune preparation parameters such as temperature, volume, and pressure without requiring a complex control panel, necessitating multiple steps for setting selection.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with symmetrical body segments featuring encoded settings on the top wall, allowing users to orient the capsule to select preparation parameters by aligning codes with an optical reader, eliminating the need for a costly control panel on the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control panel is added to the machine for fine-tuning preparation parameters, then the adaptability of the machine is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by transferring the control interface from the machine to the capsule. Instead of having a complex control panel on the machine, the preparation parameters are encoded on the capsule itself through optical codes. The machine's optical reader simply reads these codes to automatically configure the preparation settings, thereby achieving high adaptability without adding device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple setting selection steps are required on the machine, then the measurement precision of parameter selection is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding all preparation parameter settings on the capsule before the user interacts with the machine. The optical codes containing parameter information are printed on the capsule during manufacturing. When the user inserts the capsule, the machine automatically reads and processes these pre-encoded settings, eliminating the need for multiple interactive selection steps and significantly reducing the time required for parameter configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control panel is added to the machine for parameter selection, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by replacing the expensive control panel hardware with inexpensive optical codes printed on the capsule. The machine is equipped with a simple optical reader that can be manufactured at low cost, compared to a full control panel with multiple controls, displays, and processing circuits. The parameter control capability is achieved through the low-cost optical code system rather than expensive hardware controls.
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
Enables users to quickly and reliably select preparation settings with minimal steps by rotating the capsule within the machine or holder, adapting machine settings based on code recognition for efficient and flexible beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical reader, such that the optical reader can read the code that the user has aligned to the position indicator of the capsule holder
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention concerns a capsule (1) for food or beverage preparation having a capsule body defining a compartment for containing a precursor ingredient, said capsule body being a volume with one symmetry plane or one symmetry axis so as to define at least two symmetrical volume segments, said capsule (1) being suitable for coupling any of its body segments to a food or beverage preparation machine (14) for injection of a mixing ingredient from said machine within said capsule, characterized in that said capsule (1) comprises at least two codes (15) each located in one body segment, each code (15) carrying two different alternative values of a same beverage preparation setting.