Beverage preparation system, a coded insert and methods of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack the ability to modify dispensation parameters of already encoded beverage cartridges, limiting user control over beverage type and preparation methods, such as converting hot beverages into iced versions.
Innovation Solution
A coded insert with a secondary code is introduced, which can be inserted alongside the cartridge into the brew head, providing alternative operating instructions for modifying beverage parameters like volume, temperature, and flow rate, allowing users to create different beverages without requiring additional mechanisms or separate card readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beverage cartridge contains a primary code for standard dispensation, then the beverage machine can deliver a standard beverage, but the user cannot modify dispensation parameters to create different beverage types
Solution Approach 1:
The information storage function is segmented between the cartridge (primary code) and the coded insert (secondary code). The coded insert is a separate, removable component that can be inserted alongside the cartridge, allowing independent modification of dispensation parameters without changing the cartridge itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The coded insert acts as an intermediary element between the user and the beverage machine's control system. It mediates the interaction by providing alternative operating instructions that modify how the machine interprets the primary code, enabling beverage type variation without direct machine intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a separate card reader mechanism is added to read coded inserts, then user control over dispensation parameters is enabled, but the machine complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing barcode reader in the beverage machine is made multi-functional by enabling it to read both primary codes on cartridges and secondary codes on coded inserts. This universal reading capability allows the same hardware component to serve multiple purposes: standard beverage dispensation and modified beverage preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary code on the coded insert is designed to be read by the existing barcode reader, effectively creating a copy of the reading function. Instead of adding a new reading mechanism, the system uses the existing barcode reader to interpret the secondary code, thereby avoiding additional hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coded insert is integrated into the cartridge, then the system is more compact, but the insertability and removal of the coded insert becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coded insert is designed as a separate, standalone component rather than being integrated into the cartridge structure. This segmentation allows the coded insert to be independently inserted and removed from the brew head, providing ease of operation while maintaining the ability to modify beverage parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The coded insert is designed to nest within the brew head space alongside the cartridge. The insert fits into the available space in the brew head without requiring integration with the cartridge, allowing both components to coexist in a compact arrangement while maintaining independent removability.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation system is provided comprising a beverage preparation machine, a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients, and a coded insert. The beverage preparation machine comprises a brew head for receiving the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a primary code configured to provide operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a beverage from the cartridge. The coded insert is separate from the cartridge and insertable along with the cartridge into the brew head. The coded insert comprises a secondary code configured to provide alternative operating instructions to the beverage preparation machine for delivering a modified beverage from the cartridge.