Dual Infusion-Chamber Beverage Machine for Multi-Flavor Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for dispensing infused beverages, such as those using capsules or pods, are limited in their ability to simultaneously dispense multiple beverages of different flavors without increasing component duplication and ensuring flavor consistency between dispensing operations.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a dual infusion assembly system, featuring two mutually separate infusion chambers and a single electric pump with a three-way valve, allows for simultaneous dispensing of one or more portions of the same beverage or multiple different flavors using a single infusion assembly, with integrated dispensing pistons and flow control mechanisms to manage water flow and capsule detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mutually independent infusion assemblies are provided to dispense multiple beverages of different flavors simultaneously, then the ability to dispense different flavors simultaneously is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase due to component multiplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single infusion assembly that can perform multiple functions: it can dispense different beverages of different flavors sequentially, and can also dispense multiple portions of the same beverage simultaneously through multiple dispensing spouts. The infusion assembly is universally applicable for both single-dose and multiple-dose operations, eliminating the need for multiple separate infusion assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the movable slider mechanism that can be positioned in different locations to accommodate capsules in different infusion chambers. The system dynamically configures which chambers are active based on the dispensing requirements, allowing flexible switching between single-dose and multiple-dose modes without physical reconfiguration of the entire assembly.
2Device complexity
If a single infusion assembly is used to dispense multiple beverages of different flavors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of flavor residues and cross-contamination between dispensing operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the infusion assembly into multiple mutually separate infusion chambers (first infusion chamber and second infusion chamber) that are physically isolated from each other. Each chamber has its own dispensing spout and can be independently filled and operated. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different beverage flavors while maintaining a single integrated assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the potential contamination issue by providing separate infusion chambers for different beverages, effectively taking out the risk of flavor mixing. The system can select which chamber to use based on the desired beverage, ensuring that residues from previous dispensing operations do not affect subsequent beverages.
3Productivity
If multiple dispensing spouts are provided in a single infusion assembly to dispense multiple portions simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the difficulty of ensuring flavor consistency and avoiding residues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dispensing functions into a single infusion assembly by providing multiple dispensing spouts (first dispensing spout and second dispensing spout) that connect to different infusion chambers within the same assembly. The control unit coordinates the operation of these spouts to dispense beverages simultaneously or sequentially, achieving high productivity while maintaining flavor consistency through the segmented chamber 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
Enables reliable, efficient, and cost-effective simultaneous dispensing of multiple beverages of different flavors without residue carryover, ensuring flavor consistency and reducing component duplication, while maintaining economic competitiveness with existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pump (15), interposed between the infusion assembly (12) and the boiler (14), for the pumping of water from the boiler (14) to the infusion assembly (12)
Implementation Method 2
a heating element (14), interposed between the tank (11) and the infusion assembly (12), for the heating of water intended for the infusion assembly (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for dispensing infused beverages and the like, particularly of the type with capsules and/or pods, comprising a supporting frame (2) which accommodates inside it: - at least one tank (11) adapted to contain the water required to obtain an infusion or the like, - at least one infusion assembly (12), which is functionally connected to the tank (11) and is adapted to perform the infusion of capsules and/or pods (13) accommodated inside it, - at least one boiler (14), which is functionally interposed between the tank (11) and the infusion assembly (12) to heat the water intended for the infusion assembly (12) and - at least one electric pump (15), which is interposed between the infusion assembly (12) and the boiler (14) for the pumping of water from the boiler (14) to the infusion assembly (12). The particularity of the invention resides in that the infusion assembly (12) comprises at least two mutually separate infusion chambers (16, 17), each provided with a dispensing spout (18) and adapted to accommodate at least two separate capsules and/or pods (13). In greater detail, the two infusion chambers (16, 17) are functionally connected to the electric pump (15) by means of at least one electric valve (19) with at least three ways. Means (20) are further comprised for controlling the flow of the water that arrives from the electric valve (19) in the direction of at least one of the two infusion chambers (16, 17) and means (21) are comprised for detecting the capsules and/or pods (13) accommodated in the two infusion chambers (16, 17) for either the activation or the deactivation of the flow control means (20).