Cooled Beverage Reservoir with Independent Stirring and Scraping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices are limited in their ability to conveniently prepare cold, mixed, or foamed beverages, as they often lack adjustable temperature settings and independent control over mixing and foaming processes, making it difficult for consumers to customize the temperature and texture of their beverages.
Innovation Solution
A cold beverage preparation device with an open cooling reservoir, independent rotational stirring and scraping members, and a refrigerating circuit that allows for temperature control between 5 to -30°C, enabling the preparation of cold mixed and foamed beverages by allowing users to select preferred cooling temperatures and control the speed and direction of the stirring and scraping members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single heating means is used to heat the beverage to a predefined temperature, then the beverage can be heated consistently, but the consumer cannot adjust the temperature to prepare cooled or iced beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation device is segmented into separate functional modules: a heating module with heating means and a cooling module with cooling means. Each module can operate independently, allowing the device to prepare both hot and cold beverages. The segmentation enables temperature adaptability by allowing users to select either heating or cooling based on their preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to prepare both hot and cold beverages using the same vessel and control interface. The heating means and cooling means share common components such as the beverage receptacle and control unit, enabling universal operation for different beverage types without requiring separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If foaming means are rotated at high speed to create foam, then the beverage can be foamed effectively, but the internal surface of the vessel accumulates ice crystals that affect beverage texture
Solution Approach 1:
The foaming means are segmented into two independently controllable members: a stirring member and a scraping member. The stirring member creates foam by rotating at higher speeds, while the scraping member removes ice crystals from the vessel wall. This segmentation allows each member to perform its specific function independently, improving beverage texture quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic control of the stirring and scraping members with independently adjustable rotational speeds. The stirring member can rotate at high speed for effective foaming, while the scraping member rotates at a different speed to continuously remove ice crystals. This dynamic speed control ensures optimal performance for both foaming and ice crystal removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stirring member and scraping member are driven together as a single unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the mixing and foaming processes cannot be controlled independently
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into separate drive systems for the stirring member and scraping member. Each member has its own motor or drive source, allowing independent control of rotational speed and direction. This segmentation provides process control flexibility by enabling users to adjust each member's operation according to specific beverage preparation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows parameter changes in the rotational speed and direction of each member independently. The stirring member can be controlled at higher speeds for foaming, while the scraping member operates at lower speeds for ice crystal removal. This parameter control flexibility enables adaptation to different beverage types and preparation methods.
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 the convenient preparation of homogenously cooled and textured beverages, allowing users to choose the desired temperature and texture, such as iced coffee or granita, by independently controlling the stirring and scraping processes within the device.
Implementation Method 1
cooling means associated to the cooling reservoir for cooling at least part of an internal surface of the cooling reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a rotational stirring member arranged in the cooling reservoir for mixing or foaming the liquid depending on the speed of rotation of the member
Implementation Method 3
a rotational scraping member arranged in the cooling reservoir for scraping the internal surface of the cooling reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cold beverage preparation device (20), the device comprising an open cooling reservoir (5) for receiving a liquid beverage, cooling means (15) associated to the cooling reservoir (5) for cooling at least part of an internal surface of the cooling reservoir, a rotational stirring member (16) arranged in the cooling reservoir (5) for mixing or foaming the liquid depending on the speed of rotation of the member, and a rotational scraping member (17) arranged in the cooling reservoir (5) for scraping the internal surface of the cooling reservoir, wherein the rotational stirring member (16) and the scraping member (17) are designed for being driven independently within the cooling reservoir (5) of the device.