Machine and method for preparing coffee beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee beverage preparation machines require burdensome manual adjustments of extraction parameters each time the type of coffee beans is changed, and disposable containers with identification codes increase production and disposal costs.
Innovation Solution
A machine with reusable containers, each equipped with identification means, interacts with recognition means to automatically select and set extraction parameters based on the type of coffee beans, allowing dynamic modification and user customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If disposable cartridges with identification codes are used, then the machine can automatically recognize coffee type and set brewing parameters, but production costs and material disposal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the identification function from the disposable cartridge concept and places it on reusable containers instead. The RFID tag or other identification means is integrated into the reusable container that the user already owns, separating the identification capability from the consumable coffee supply, thereby eliminating the need for expensive disposable cartridges while maintaining automatic recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable container serves multiple functions: it stores coffee beans, provides identification through RFID tags or other means, and can be refilled multiple times. This multi-functionality replaces the single-use disposable cartridges, reducing waste and production costs while maintaining the automatic identification and parameter setting capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of extraction parameters is required for each coffee type, then the machine can adapt to different coffee beans, but user burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the machine to automatically recognize the coffee type through RFID tags on reusable containers and autonomously select and adjust the appropriate extraction parameters. The user simply needs to insert the container, and the machine handles parameter configuration automatically, eliminating manual adjustment burden while maintaining adaptability to different coffee types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the identification means (RFID tags, optical codes, or mechanical recognition) to automatically determine the coffee type and retrieve the corresponding optimal extraction parameters from memory, then applies these parameters automatically. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures adaptability without requiring user intervention.
3Extent of automation
If reusable containers with identification means are used, then automatic parameter selection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary identification system (RFID tags, optical codes, or simple mechanical features) on reusable containers that communicates with the machine's recognition means. This intermediary layer enables automatic parameter selection without requiring complex direct communication between the container and brewing system, maintaining automation while controlling complexity through standardized identification protocols.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A machine (10) for preparing coffee beverages comprises a plurality of containers (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) suitable to contain certain types of coffee beans, which can be selectively associated with a same housing seating (11) of the machine (10).