Device for preparing beverages with simpliflied activation and method for operating said device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices are not compact or ergonomic enough for handheld operation and lack energy autonomy, making them less portable and inconvenient for use without external energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation apparatus with a portable design that includes a fluid supply source with energy autonomy, allowing operation without external power, featuring a swiveling closing mechanism for single portion collection and discharge, and a fluid pressurization system for injecting pressurized fluid into a capsule, enabling handheld operation and autonomous use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is designed to be compact and portable for handheld operation, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the complexity of integrating energy autonomous fluid pressurization and closing mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is integrated in a joint construction with both the portion collection disposition and beverage discharge disposition, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms. The free edge of the closing element serves dual functions: closing the collection disposition and opening the discharge disposition simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element functions as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs closing of the collection disposition and opening of the discharge disposition. This universal component approach reduces the number of parts needed in the compact apparatus, addressing the complexity issue while maintaining the portable design.
2Ease of operation
If the closing element is oriented with free edge backwards and swiveled around a frontal axis, then single-handed ergonomic operation is enabled, but the mechanical design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is designed with asymmetric orientation where the free edge is positioned backwards rather than symmetrically. The swivel axis is located in the frontal region, creating an asymmetric mechanical arrangement that enables intuitive single-handed operation while actually simplifying the overall design by reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment between open and closed positions through swiveling motion. This dynamic design enables ergonomic operation while using simple mechanical motion rather than complex actuation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy autonomous fluid pressurization means are integrated, then operation without external energy sources is enabled, but the device weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pressurization system is designed to be self-service and energy autonomous, using internal mechanical means rather than external power sources. The system serves itself by utilizing the closing action of the closing element to activate pressurization, eliminating the need for batteries, motors, or external energy infrastructure, thereby avoiding significant weight penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles for fluid pressurization, leveraging the mechanical action of closing the collection disposition to generate and store pressurized fluid. This passive pressurization method avoids the need for active pumping mechanisms powered by external energy sources, keeping the apparatus lightweight and portable.
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 apparatus provides a simple, ergonomic, and portable solution for preparing beverages like espresso, allowing single-handed operation and autonomous use, enhancing usability and convenience by integrating a fluid supply source with compressed gas for pressurized fluid injection.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressurization means adapted so that can supply a fluid flow at a pressure comprised between 1 and 20 bar
Implementation Method 2
a closing element (71) presented in a joint construction with said portion collection disposition (3) and beverage discharge disposition (5), said closing element (71) having a free edge and being provided so that can swivel around a reference swivel axis (72)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus (1) for preparing beverages, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee and similar, from the brewing of a single portion (2) of a respective edible substance, whereby said apparatus (1) comprises a portion collection disposition (3) adapted for collecting said single portion (2) of edible substance and a beverage discharge (5), and is advantageously configured so as to simplify the actuation of respective portion collection disposition (3), and to be operated in portable manner, for example in the form of a compact apparatus, recipient, or transported, for example in the form of backpack, or trolley, along a given distance autonomously relative to external energy sources. The present invention further discloses a process for distribution of beverages by means of a beverage preparation apparatus.