Compact cartridge and beverage making system using said cartridge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems fail to efficiently utilize the volume of the cartridge casing for storing individual portions of edible substances, leading to inefficient packing, handling, and increased replacement frequency.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design with an elongated, flexible support that folds in zigzag rows inside the casing, optimizing the arrangement of collection confinements to minimize empty space and maximize the number of portions stored, while ensuring ergonomic handling and reliable extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the support of individual portions is collected in a conventional zigzag disposition inside the cartridge casing, then the cartridge can be removed and handled, but the usage of collection volume is inefficient and the ratio between total collection volume and total volume of individual portions is large
Solution Approach 1:
The support is folded back on itself multiple times within the same longitudinal space, transitioning from a simple linear zigzag to a multi-dimensional compact arrangement. This allows the support to occupy the cartridge volume more efficiently by utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions simultaneously, reducing the ratio between total collection volume and actual portion volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is folded and nested within itself in a compact arrangement, with each fold containing portions within the volume defined by previous folds. This nested configuration maximizes the number of portions that can be stored within the cartridge casing while maintaining accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If the cartridge casing volume is increased to store more individual portions, then the number of portions per cartridge increases, but the handling ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing cartridge length linearly to accommodate more portions, the invention folds the support back on itself within a compact volume, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions. This allows a high number of portions to be stored in a cartridge that remains manageable in size and weight for easy handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The support itself acts as a flexible element that can be folded and compacted within the cartridge casing. This flexibility allows the support to conform to the cartridge volume efficiently, maximizing portion capacity while keeping the overall cartridge dimensions suitable for ergonomic handling.
3Productivity
If the support is disposed in a simple linear arrangement, then the disposition is simple, but the traction efficiency and portion extraction reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into multiple folded segments arranged in a zigzag pattern, with each segment containing a portion or group of portions. This segmentation creates distinct traction zones that improve the reliability of portion extraction, as the folded structure provides multiple engagement points for the traction device.
Solution Approach 2:
The zigzag folded disposition introduces vertical and lateral dimensions to the support arrangement, creating a multi-level structure that improves traction efficiency. The folded segments provide better mechanical engagement with the traction device compared to a simple linear arrangement, ensuring reliable portion extraction.
4Quantity of substance
If the ratio between collection volume and portion volume is reduced, then storage capacity increases, but the disposition complexity and empty space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support is folded back on itself multiple times within the cartridge volume, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to create a compact three-dimensional arrangement. This multi-dimensional folding minimizes empty space and maximizes the utilization of available cartridge volume, achieving high storage capacity with efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The support segments are nested within each other in a compact configuration, with each fold containing portions within the volume defined by previous folds. This nested arrangement eliminates wasted space and maximizes the density of portions within the cartridge casing.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a cartridge (3) that comprises a support (1) of individual portions, provided as a flexible support of strip type or similar, presenting a plurality of individual portions (2) of an edible substance, such as for example coffee. In particular, the cartridge (3) according to the present invention is adapted so that provides a greater storage capacity of individual portions (13) inside thereof and further provides a more efficient and reliable movement of said support (12) of individual portions out of the cartridge casing (31). The present invention further refers to a beverage preparation system comprising at least one type of beverage preparation machine (10) adapted for use of at least one type of cartridge (3) and adapted so that can provide a high storage capacity of individual portions (2).