Single-Serve Infusion Unit With Interchangeable Capsule Seat

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infusion units for making beverages with single-serving capsules or pods require complex operations and may not efficiently manage different capsule types, often necessitating manual intervention and potential leakage during the brewing process.

Innovation Solution

A manual infusion unit with a sliding drawer and lever system that allows for simple operation, including capsule insertion, piercing, and water dispensing, featuring a mechanical connection between the lever and drawer, and a sealing member to prevent leakage, while allowing for interchangeable seats to accommodate various capsule shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex manual operation system is used for capsule insertion and brewing, then the device can handle different capsule types, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle different capsule typesVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer is designed with a universal seat structure that can accommodate different capsule types (single-serving capsules, pods, and other sachets). The seat geometry and positioning mechanism are configured to universally hold various capsule formats, allowing the same device to handle multiple capsule types without requiring separate mechanisms for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever mechanism merges multiple functions into a single operational element. By actuating one lever, the system simultaneously performs drawer movement, capsule piercing, and water dispensing operations. This consolidation reduces the number of manual steps required while maintaining the ability to handle different capsule types through the integrated multi-functional mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If piercing members are used to pierce capsules, then water can be dispensed through the capsule, but leakage may occur during the brewing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrewing efficiencyVSAvoidleakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is positioned and configured to establish a seal around the capsule before water dispensing begins. This preemptive sealing action prevents leakage by creating a barrier between the water pressure system and the capsule interior prior to the application of brewing pressure, ensuring reliable operation throughout the brewing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member utilizes a flexible material that can conform to the capsule surface and sealing zone. This flexibility allows the sealing member to adapt to slight variations in capsule geometry and positioning, maintaining an effective seal that prevents leakage while accommodating the brewing process requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If a fixed seat design is used in the drawer, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different capsule shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat structure simplicityVSAvoidaccommodation of various capsule shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seat incorporates oscillating arms that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. These arms are hinged to the drawer and can move to accommodate different capsule shapes and sizes. The dynamic adjustment capability allows the same simple seat structure to adapt to various capsule geometries without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple specialized seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat is segmented into multiple independent components, including the drawer base and oscillating arms. This segmentation allows each component to move and adjust independently, providing flexibility in accommodating different capsule types while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The modular segmented design enables adaptability without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8978543B2Infusion unit for making beverages from single-serving sachets and machine comprising said unit

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 VERSUNI HLDG BV

AI summary

An infusion unit includes a support and a drawer having at least one seat for a single-serving sachet, the seat sliding relative to the support and movable between a charging position of the single-serving sachet and an infusion position. The infusion unit further includes a dispensing member for dispensing water under pressure to the single-serving sachet. A lever controls the movement of the drawer and a mechanical connection between the lever and the drawer and between the lever and the dispensing member. A stopping element locks the single-serving sachet into the infusion position after the dispensing. The seat, partly delimited by a pair of arms oscillating relative to the drawer, is interchangeable for seating capsules of various shapes or dimensions.