Brewing apparatus for preparing a beverage from a single-serve capsule

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brewing apparatuses for single-serve capsules are complex and costly due to the need for multiple systems to adjust brewing parameters for different types of beverages, requiring high-pressure or low-pressure processes.

Innovation Solution

A brewing apparatus with a needle injection device and actuator system that uses two hollow needles of different diameters to selectively control water flow rates, allowing for the same capsule design to be used for various beverages by adjusting needle positions and flow rates based on the type of beverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple systems for adjusting brewing parameters are introduced to handle different beverage types, then the brewing apparatus can accommodate various beverages with different pressure requirements, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different beverage typesVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic needle positioning system where the injection needle can be moved to different positions (first position for high-pressure brewing, second position for low-pressure brewing) based on the beverage type. This dynamic adjustment allows a single apparatus to handle multiple beverage types without requiring multiple fixed systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of needle position to control brewing pressure. By moving the needle between two discrete positions, the system adjusts the brewing parameters (pressure and flow rate) to match different beverage requirements. This parameter-based control enables a single apparatus to deliver multiple brewing profiles without adding structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different beverage typesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal needle injection system that can perform both high-pressure and low-pressure brewing functions using a single needle assembly. The needle is designed with two functional positions rather than requiring separate needles or injection systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to handle different beverage types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic positioning mechanism allows a single static needle component to serve multiple functions. Rather than manufacturing multiple specialized components, the system uses one adaptable needle that can be positioned dynamically, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different beverage typesVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamic needle positioning system with only two discrete positions, which is simpler and more reliable than continuous adjustment mechanisms. The binary position system reduces the number of moving parts and control complexity, thereby maintaining high reliability while still enabling adaptation to different beverage types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential brewing parameter adjustment function and implements it through a simple needle position mechanism, removing unnecessary complex systems. By focusing on the core function (needle position) rather than multiple independent control systems, the design achieves both versatility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Simplifies the brewing process by enabling the use of identical capsules for different beverages, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining effective brewing performance.

Implementation Method 1

two hollow needles (26, 27) of different diameters, which are selectively operated according to the type of capsule (2) to be processed... the needles (26, 27) are able to supply respective different water flow rates to the capsule (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control through varying cross-sectional area: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3558078B1Brewing apparatus for preparing a beverage from a single-serve capsule

Publication Date: 2021.01.27 GRUPPO GIMOKA SRL

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AI summary

A beverage brewing apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage from a single-serve capsule (2), the beverage brewing apparatus (1) comprises a capsule holder (11) to receive a capsule (2) in a brewing position, and an injection unit (14) to perforate a capsule (2) in the brewing position and to feed a brewing fluid into the capsule (2); the injection unit (14) comprises a pair of hollow needles (26, 27) designed to supply respective flow rates different from each other, and an actuator (25) to bring, during a beverage production cycle, only one of the two needles (26, 27) to an operating position, in which the needle perforates the capsule (2) and injects a certain amount of brewing fluid into the capsule (2).