Deformable Coding Insert for Automatic Capsule Brewing Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines face high costs and complexity in identifying capsules, which hinders automatic setting of optimal operating parameters for preparing specific ingredients, especially for capsules without built-in identification codes.

Innovation Solution

A coding insert with deformable portions that mechanically deform upon insertion into the machine, allowing the machine to detect reaction forces and set operational parameters such as water temperature, volume, and pressure, using a force-sensitive portion linked to a control board to customize brewing parameters for each capsule.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If complex identification systems (barcodes, RFID, color recognition) are used in capsules, then automatic setting of machine parameters is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic parameter settingVSAvoididentification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification function is extracted from the capsule itself and placed in a separate, simple coding insert that attaches to the capsule. This allows the capsule to remain simple while the identification capability is provided by an external, replaceable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coding insert is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and attached to capsules. It serves as a disposable or replaceable identification medium that does not require complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Extent of automation

If built-in identification codes are embedded in capsules, then automatic machine parameter setting is enabled, but manufacturing cost and capsule complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine parameter customizationVSAvoidcapsule manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented into a separate coding insert that attaches to the capsule rather than being integrated into the capsule structure. This allows capsules to be manufactured simply while still enabling identification functionality through the attached insert.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coding insert acts as an intermediary between the capsule and the machine's identification system. It provides the identification interface without requiring modifications to the capsule manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If mechanical deformation coding is used in the insert, then cost-effective identification is achieved, but the insert structure must be precisely engineered for reliable force detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification system simplicityVSAvoidinsert deformation characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coding insert uses variations in mechanical parameters (deformation force, deformation distance, deformation timing) to encode identification information. By changing these physical parameters, different capsule types are identified without requiring complex structural variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic or optical identification systems with a purely mechanical identification mechanism. The coding insert uses mechanical deformation properties that are detected by the machine's force sensor, eliminating the need for complex electronic circuits or optical components in the identification system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 cost-effective and automatic setting of machine parameters for various capsules, ensuring optimal beverage preparation without the need for complex identification systems, by using a coding insert that embeds mechanical deformation data to inform machine operations.

Implementation Method 1

said coding insert is a disc or a ring that comprises at least one deformable portion that is deformed when said insert is inserted into the machine cavity, and/or when said cavity is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one machine operational parameter is set by detection of the reaction force on the machine cavity by the deformed portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce detection: Force

Data Source

PatentUS10136755B2Coding insert for use in a food preparation machine

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to a coding insert for associating to a food ingredient capsule adapted to be functionally inserted in the cavity of a food preparation machine, characterized in that said coding insert is a disc or a ring that comprises at least one deformable portion that is deformed when said insert is inserted into the machine cavity, and/or when said cavity is closed, so that at least one machine operational parameter is set by detection of there action force on the machine cavity by the deformed portion, so as to customize the machine brewing functional parameters to each coding insert inserted therein with the capsule it is associated with.