Machine and method for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines often leave residual liquid in capsules and receptacles, leading to unclean conditions and potential microorganism growth, especially when not cleaned promptly after use, and existing automatic ejection mechanisms increase cost and complexity while reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a mobile injection head and a biasing device that prevents the machine from remaining in an inactive state until the capsule is removed, using a capsule-detecting mechanism to activate the biasing device when a capsule is present and deactivate it when absent, along with an interlock or sensor to ensure the injection head is kept in an active position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven automatic ejection mechanism is provided to eject the beverage capsule at completion of preparation, then the capsule is automatically removed from the receptacle, but the cost and complexity of the machine increases considerably and reliability and service life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the motor-driven ejection mechanism is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using an active motor-driven mechanism to eject capsules, the patent eliminates this complex component entirely and relies on passive user removal, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the essential function of capsule disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from an automated service (motor-driven ejection) to a self-service model where the user manually removes the spent capsule. This eliminates the need for complex automated mechanisms while still achieving the goal of capsule removal, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Device complexity
If the injection head remains in the inactive position after beverage preparation, then the machine structure is simple, but residual beverage liquid promotes microorganism growth and deposit formation
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is pre-configured to automatically return the injection head to the active position after beverage preparation. This preliminary action prevents the harmful condition of residual liquid accumulation by ensuring the injection head is promptly returned to a position that facilitates drainage and prevents stagnation, thereby eliminating microorganism growth risks without complex automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful situation of the injection head remaining in the inactive position by using a simple biasing mechanism that leverages the natural position of the injection head. The biasing device uses the injection head's own weight and simple spring force to return it to the active position, turning a risk into a self-correcting feature that prevents contamination.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the injection head is returned to the active position after beverage preparation, then deposit formation and microorganism growth are prevented, but a biasing device is required which adds to machine complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device is designed with local quality by positioning it specifically at the injection head assembly where it is most needed. The spring mechanism is integrated into the injection head's mounting structure, providing a localized solution that returns only the injection head to the active position without requiring a complex system-wide mechanism. This localized approach minimizes overall device complexity while achieving the health benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device uses a simple, inexpensive spring mechanism that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than investing in a complex, expensive automated system, the patent employs a basic mechanical spring that provides the necessary function at minimal cost and complexity, aligning with the principle of using simple, replaceable components.
4Ease of operation
If residual beverage liquid remains in the capsule and receptacle after preparation, then the machine operation is simple, but unclean conditions lead to deposit formation and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device ensures continuous useful action by automatically returning the injection head to the active position after each beverage preparation. This continuous action prevents the interruption that would allow residual liquid to stagnate, maintaining a state that promotes drainage and prevents deposit formation, thereby eliminating contamination risks without complicating operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a self-service mechanism where the biasing device automatically performs the function of returning the injection head to the active position without user intervention. This self-correcting feature prevents contamination by ensuring the injection head is promptly repositioned, maintaining cleanliness while keeping the operation simple for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An beverage-preparation apparatus includes a capsule receptacle (204, 300, 400, 416, 500) receiving a beverage capsule (306, 418) containing a quantity of a beverage ingredient, and an injection head (202) for injecting fluid into said beverage capsule (306, 418) to produce a beverage, said injection head (202) being mobile between a first, inactive position and a second, active position, and further having a biasing device (226, 304) selectively preventing the injection head (202) from remaining in the first, inactive position, and a capsule-detecting means (308, 402, 404, 422, 508) activating the biasing device (226, 304) when the presence of a beverage capsule (306, 418) within said capsule receptacle (204, 300, 400, 416, 500) is detected.