Replaceable Concentrate Cartridge With Pumped Residue-Free Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers are complex, require frequent cleaning, and do not allow easy switching between beverage types or strengths, leading to residue buildup and inefficiencies in concentrate usage.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge system with a hollow body and pumping device that dispenses liquid concentrate/extract through a dispensing tube, allowing for easy selection of beverage types and strengths without cleaning the dispenser, using a piston and valve mechanism to control flow and prevent residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If concentrate/extract is poured into the coffee machine reservoir prior to being delivered to the brewing chamber, then the beverage can be dispensed, but the entire machine must be cleaned after use due to residue buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beverage dispensing system into separate components: a disposable cartridge containing the concentrate/extract and a reusable dispenser body. The cartridge is segmented to include separate chambers for concentrate and water, with internal mixing mechanisms. This segmentation allows the concentrate-containing cartridge to be discarded after use, eliminating the need to clean the dispenser body while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable cartridges that contain the concentrate/extract and are designed for single use. These cartridges are inexpensive and can be discarded after one beverage preparation, eliminating residue buildup in the permanent dispenser structure. The disposable nature of the cartridge solves the cleaning problem while maintaining convenience for the user.
2Productivity
If a sealed cartridge system with hot pressurized water injection is used, then beverage brewing is achieved, but residue remains in the water-injecting area and downstream collection funnel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the concentrate/extract from the permanent dispenser structure and places it entirely within the disposable cartridge. The cartridge contains all components necessary for mixing and dispensing, including internal channels and nozzles. By taking out the concentrate containment and delivery system from the permanent structure, residue cannot build up in the dispenser body, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining brewing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge acts as an intermediary between the water supply and the beverage delivery system. All contact between water and concentrate occurs within the cartridge, which is discarded after use. This intermediary prevents residue from contaminating the permanent dispenser components, particularly the water-injecting area and collection funnel, while maintaining efficient beverage brewing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If concentrate/extract is stored in the dispenser reservoir, then beverage preparation is enabled, but switching between beverage types requires cleaning the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the beverage storage function into separate disposable cartridges, each containing a specific type of concentrate/extract. Users can switch between beverage types by simply replacing one cartridge with another, without needing to clean the dispenser body. The segmentation of storage functions into disposable units enables versatile beverage selection while eliminating cleaning requirements for switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable cartridges for storing different beverage concentrates, allowing users to switch between beverage types by discarding one cartridge and inserting another. Each cartridge is designed for single use and contains all necessary components for that specific beverage type. This approach enables high adaptability for serving multiple beverage types while eliminating the need for cleaning the permanent dispenser structure.
4Productivity
If a complex dispensing mechanism with mixing chamber is used, then beverage mixing is achieved, but the device requires frequent cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mixing chamber, concentrate storage, water injection system, and dispensing nozzle into a single integrated disposable cartridge. All mixing and dispensing functions are combined within the cartridge, which is discarded after use. This merging eliminates the need for separate permanent mixing chambers and associated cleaning requirements, maintaining beverage mixing capability while reducing device complexity and cleaning frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge contains all mixing and dispensing components in a single-use unit. The cartridge includes internal channels for water and concentrate flow, mixing chambers, and dispensing nozzles, all designed for one-time use. By making these components disposable rather than permanent, the system maintains full beverage mixing capability while eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance of the complex dispensing mechanism.
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 convenient and efficient dispensing of multiple beverage types and strengths without residue buildup, reducing cleaning needs and optimizing concentrate usage, allowing users to easily switch between beverages.
Implementation Method 1
A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
A piston is connected to the valve body movable within the dispensing tube for forcing concentrate/extract through the port
Data Source
AI summary
A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.