Movable Extraction Plate for Multi-Diameter Capsule Brewing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using capsules face inefficiencies in extracting different amounts of fluid due to shape variations, which can complicate handling and appearance, and require precise placement, necessitating a system that can adapt to various capsule sizes while maintaining ease of use and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A brew chamber system with a movable extraction plate and biasing members that adjust to accommodate capsules of different diameters, allowing for efficient extraction and piercing of ingredients, regardless of size, while maintaining a consistent appearance and handling simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capsules have different shapes to accommodate different ingredient volumes, then the system can store varying amounts of ingredients, but handling becomes more difficult and appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the axial length of capsules while maintaining a consistent cylindrical shape and flange configuration. This allows the capsule volume to be adjusted (parameter change) to accommodate different ingredient amounts, while the uniform shape and flange design ensure consistent handling characteristics and appearance across all capsule types. The brewing chamber's slidable end delimiting part further adapts to different axial lengths, enabling the system to handle variable volumes without compromising ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If capsules have different shapes for different volumes, then ingredient storage capacity varies, but precise placement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains consistent capsule geometry (cylindrical shape with standard flanges) while changing only the axial length parameter. This approach allows different ingredient storage capacities without affecting placement precision, as all capsules have identical placement-critical features. The brewing chamber's slidable end delimiting part with stop means is specifically designed to accommodate various axial lengths while ensuring uniform positioning, thereby preserving manufacturing precision across different capsule volumes.
3Productivity
If the brewing chamber is designed for fixed volume, then extraction efficiency is optimized, but adaptability to different capsule sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic brewing chamber design where the end delimiting part can slide axially to accommodate different capsule lengths. The stop means on the slidable end delimiting part engage with the flanges of different capsule types, allowing the chamber volume to dynamically adjust to each capsule's specific axial length. This dynamic adaptation maintains optimal extraction efficiency for each capsule size while providing versatility across multiple capsule types.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber's internal volume parameter is made variable through the slidable end delimiting part mechanism. This allows the chamber to change its effective volume to match the axial length of different capsule types, thereby maintaining optimal extraction efficiency across varying capsule sizes. The stop means ensure that for each capsule type, the chamber achieves the correct volume parameter for efficient extraction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for preparing a consumable beverage. The system includes an apparatus including a first brew chamber part having a cavity for selectively holding an exchangeable first or second capsule. An exit area of the second capsule has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of an first exit area of the first capsule. The apparatus includes a second brew chamber part for closing the first brew chamber part around the first or second capsule. The second brew chamber part has an extraction plate for abutting against the first or second exit area. The extraction plate includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion is movable relative to the peripheral portion.