Dockable Beverage Module With Split Water Reservoir for Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular beverage production systems have a large footprint, limited portability, and reduced autonomy when connected to a base station, making them less user-friendly and inefficient for storage and use.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation module with a small-capacity water reservoir and a base station with a larger water reservoir, allowing for autonomous operation and easy connection, featuring a three-way valve for selective water supply, a rotatable extraction head, and a flexible water drawing tube for external water sources, enhancing portability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the beverage preparation module is designed with a large water reservoir for autonomous operation, then the autonomy and duration of action are improved, but the footprint and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water reservoir function is segmented between two components: a small-capacity reservoir integrated into the autonomous beverage preparation module for short-term operation, and a large-capacity reservoir in the base station for extended autonomy. This segmentation allows the mobile module to maintain portability while the system as a whole achieves high autonomy through the base station's large reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension solution (one large reservoir in the module) to a two-dimension solution by separating the reservoir functions between the mobile module and stationary base station. This dimensional change allows the module to be compact for portability while the base station provides the large water capacity needed for autonomy.
2Ease of operation
If the beverage preparation module is designed to be fully autonomous with all functions integrated, then the portability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation module is designed with universal functionality to operate independently in autonomous mode using its own small reservoir and power supply, and to function as part of a larger system when docked with the base station. This multi-functionality allows the same compact module to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring separate devices, maintaining portability while providing comprehensive functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the module is designed with multiple connection interfaces for different water sources, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary docking station that handles the complexity of multiple water source connections. The mobile module requires only a simple water inlet connection, while the base station provides the intelligent interface for connecting to various water sources (mains water, bottles, carabiners). This intermediary approach maintains adaptability while keeping the mobile module simple and portable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
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AI summary
The present invention proposes a system for producing a beverage from portioned ingredients provided within a capsule or pod, the system comprising a base station (1) comprising a (e.g. removable) water reservoir of large capacity (12), an autonomous beverage preparation module (2) comprising an extraction head (4) and being removably connectable to the base station (1) from an autonomous-use mode to docked-use mode, wherein the autonomous module (2) comprises a water inlet connection means (27, 27a), wherein the autonomous module (2) and the base station (1) respectively comprise matching positioning means (5a, 5b) which engage when the beverage preparation module (2) is connected to the base station (1) in the docked position, and wherein it comprises alternative water supply means (11, 29, 36) and water outlet connection means (28, 32, 36a) adapted for connecting to the water inlet connection means (27) of the module (2) for supplying water to the module when the module is in the autonomous-use mode.