Food preparation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food and beverage preparation systems have detachable capsule holders that do not fully enclose the ingredient capsule, leading to residual pressure issues and potential backflow and spillage when disconnected from the main machine base.
Innovation Solution
A fully detachable brewing unit with locking means that prevents disassembly of its cavity parts, ensuring the unit remains closed even under internal pressure, featuring mechanisms like bayonet locks, magnetic locks, or knee lever mechanisms to secure the cavity parts and prevent fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable capsule holder is used that does not fully enclose the ingredient capsule, then the brewing unit can be easily detached and cleaned, but residual pressure causes the unit to open suddenly leading to backflow and spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing unit is divided into two separable cavity parts (first and second cavity parts) that can be detached for cleaning, yet when assembled create a fully enclosed chamber. This segmentation allows easy maintenance while maintaining pressure containment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The two cavity parts are designed to assemble together with locking means that merge them into a unified, fully enclosed structure. When locked together, they create a sealed chamber that can withstand internal pressure without opening, preventing backflow and spillage.
2Reliability
If locking means are added to prevent disassembly under pressure, then pressure containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means utilize magnetic attraction forces instead of complex mechanical interlocking systems. Magnets embedded in one cavity part attract corresponding magnets or ferromagnetic materials in the other part, creating a secure lock that prevents disassembly under pressure while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism relies on changing the magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution) to achieve reliable locking. By carefully designing the magnetic properties and arrangement, the system achieves sufficient holding force to prevent opening under brewing pressure without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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
This design enhances safety by preventing sudden opening and allows for safe and clean emptying of the brewing unit, while also enabling non-standard operations like maintenance and descaling cycles.
Implementation Method 1
locking means suitable for preventing disassembly of the cavity parts and for keeping the cavity closed... mechanisms like bayonet locks, magnetic locks, or knee lever mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a food preparation machine (1) for preparing a food product by mixing a fluid with an ingredient, said machine comprising: i. a base (2) having a fluid reservoir (3) and a pump able to withdraw said fluid through fluid-conducting pipes, said base optionally comprising an element suitable for heating and/or chilling said fluid, ii. a brewing unit (3) comprising connecting means (6, 7, 8) for connecting fluidly to said fluid-conducting pipes of said base (2), and further comprising fluid injection means and at least two cavity parts (10, 11) able to assemble to create a closed cavity for enclosing said ingredient, such that said brewing unit (3) can inject fluid through said ingredient under pressure for mixing with said ingredient, characterized in that said brewing unit (3) is fully detachable from said base (2), and comprises locking means (22, 23, 24) suitable for preventing disassembly of the cavity parts (10, 11) when fluid pressure within said cavity and/or said ingredient exceeds atmospheric pressure.