Curved-Trajectory Beverage Brewer for Compact Space Occupation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage preparation devices, such as horizontal espresso brewers, occupy a significant amount of space due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation device with a central axis and a brewing plane featuring a curved trajectory, utilizing first and second compression elements and a brewing chamber that move along this trajectory to form a filling and brewing space, with a water inlet and outlet, allowing for efficient powder compression and beverage preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional horizontal brewing chambers and pistons are used, then beverage preparation function is achieved, but device occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by arranging the brewing chamber and compression elements along a curved trajectory instead of conventional straight-line horizontal movement. The brewing chamber moves along a curved path around a central axis, creating a compact circular layout that significantly reduces the device's footprint while maintaining all necessary brewing functions including powder filling, compression, and beverage dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional horizontal movement to a three-dimensional curved trajectory around a central axis. By utilizing vertical and radial dimensions alongside horizontal movement, the device achieves compact space occupation while preserving the complete beverage preparation cycle including filling, compression, and dispensing operations.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple moving parts are used for compression and brewing chamber movement, then compact design is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the container for coffee powder and the compression chamber, while also functioning as a moving carrier that transports coffee from the filling station to the brewing position. The curved trajectory mechanism provides both movement and positioning functions, reducing the need for separate mechanical components and simplifying the overall structure despite the compact layout.
3Shape
If compression elements move along curved trajectory, then compact round design is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved trajectory is designed to utilize gravity by allowing the brewing chamber to move downward during the brewing cycle, converting potential energy into kinetic energy and reducing the energy required for movement. The circular layout enables the chamber to follow a natural gravitational path, minimizing the energy input needed from motors while maintaining the compact round design.
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
The device achieves a compact, 'round' design that minimizes space usage while ensuring efficient beverage preparation and energy savings through strategic movement and locking mechanisms, preventing powder sticking and ensuring even compression and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second compression elements are moved towards each other along the curved trajectory to compress the powder
Implementation Method 2
when the beverage is prepared in the brewing space, gravity can be used to discharge the beverage from the brewing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1), comprising a central axis (2) with a brewing plane perpendicular to the central axis, wherein the brewing plane comprises a curved trajectory (3), curved with respect to the central axis, a first (4) and second (5) compression element, arranged for movement relative to each other along the curved trajectory, extending perpendicular to the curved trajectory, a brewing chamber (6) arranged for movement relative to the first and second compression elements along the curved trajectory, the brewing chamber having a tubular wall (7) extending parallel to the curved trajectory, wherein the tubular wall is arranged to be moved over an outer circumference (8, 9) of the first and/or second compression elements, a water inlet (14) arranged for discharging water into a brewing space, and a beverage outlet (15) arranged for discharging beverage from the brewing space.