Modular Capsule Beverage Machine for Continuous Autonomous Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular coffee machines require manual insertion and removal of capsules for each coffee preparation, leading to inefficiencies in continuous use, potential blockages, and increased operator workload due to the need for precise capsule selection and handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular machine design with a central unit providing electric and hydraulic services to each autonomous module, allowing for automatic capsule handling, independent operation, and easy maintenance, ensuring continuous operation even if one module malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual capsule insertion and removal is used for each coffee preparation, then capsule selection and insertion direction control can be achieved, but continuous operation is prevented and operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into multiple independent modules (first module, second module, third module) that can operate autonomously. Each module has its own capsule container and brewing mechanism, allowing one module to be serviced while others continue operating, thereby enabling continuous production without manual intervention for each capsule
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple capsule containers are pre-loaded with different types of coffee capsules before operation begins. The system automatically selects and loads capsules from these pre-loaded containers, eliminating the need for manual capsule selection and insertion during continuous operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual capsule handling is required for each operation, then precise capsule selection for different coffee types can be achieved, but operator workload and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and loads the appropriate capsule type from the pre-loaded containers based on the beverage order requirements. The automated capsule loading mechanism eliminates manual handling, allowing the machine to serve itself while maintaining the ability to prepare different coffee types
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to handle multiple types of capsules simultaneously through multiple containers, making it universally capable of preparing various coffee types without requiring separate machines or manual reconfiguration
3Device complexity
If modules are connected in series with shared electric and hydraulic feeds, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases as one module malfunction affects all connected modules
Solution Approach 1:
Each module is designed as an independent unit with separate electric and hydraulic connections to the central unit. This segmentation ensures that a malfunction in one module does not propagate to other modules, maintaining system reliability while keeping the overall structure manageable through a centralized service unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular machine for preparing beverages from capsules, comprising a unit to supply electric and hydraulic services (16) and a plurality of modules (12) for the automatic preparation of beverages from capsules, each electrically and hydraulically autonomous with respect to every other module (12). The modules (12) are respectively connected by means of an electric circuit (18) and a hydraulic circuit (20) to a single outlet electric connector (50) and to an outlet hydraulic collector (52) of the unit to supply electric and hydraulic services (16).