Multi-Portion Milk Powder Container for Consistent Foam Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices are inefficient and time-consuming due to the need for frequent insertion and removal of single-portion capsules for coffee, cocoa, and milk powder, leading to uneconomical and labor-intensive processes, and may use non-foamable milk powder, resulting in unsatisfactory milk foam consistency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-portion container for milk powder that can be used in conjunction with a brewing unit equipped with a docking device, allowing for simultaneous or staggered preparation of coffee, cocoa, and milk or milk foam, eliminating the need for frequent capsule changes and ensuring only foamable milk powder is used, with a mixing and foaming device that can condition and foam milk powder using mechanical stirring or rotation vortexing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-portion capsules are used for milk powder, then only foamable milk powder is used ensuring consistent quality, but frequent insertion and removal of capsules is required leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The milk powder supply is segmented into multiple individual portions within a single container. Each portion is separated by a partition wall, allowing the container to hold multiple single-serving portions that can be dispensed sequentially without removing the entire container.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual milk powder portions are nested within a single outer container. The container structure contains multiple smaller compartmentalized sections, each holding a separate portion, effectively nesting multiple single-serve units within one reusable housing.
2Loss of time
If a storage container for milk powder is integrated in the preparation device, then frequent capsule changes are eliminated, but non-foamable milk powder may be filled resulting in unsatisfactory milk foam consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple sealed compartments, each containing a predetermined portion of foamable milk powder. This segmentation ensures that only pre-packaged foamable milk powder can be used, preventing the introduction of non-foamable powder while maintaining continuous supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The milk powder is pre-portioned and pre-packaged in sealed compartments before being placed in the container. This preliminary action ensures that only suitable foamable milk powder is prepared in advance, eliminating the risk of using inappropriate powder during operation.
3Reliability
If one-portion milk powder capsules are used, then only foamable milk powder is used, but for each cappuccino preparation a new capsule has to be inserted and removed
Solution Approach 1:
The container holds multiple segmented portions of milk powder, allowing the system to maintain the quality assurance of single-portion packaging while enabling sequential access to multiple portions without removing and reinserting capsules for each beverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design enables continuous operation by providing multiple portions in sequence. Once the container is loaded, the system can continuously prepare beverages by advancing to the next portion without interruption from capsule handling operations.
4Ease of operation
If stationary refillable containers are used for milk powder, then capsule handling is eliminated, but the risk of using non-foamable milk powder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refillable container is segmented into multiple sealed compartments, each containing pre-packaged foamable milk powder. This maintains the ease of operation of a stationary container while ensuring quality control through individual sealed portions that can only contain suitable milk powder.
Solution Approach 2:
The milk powder is pre-packaged in sealed portions before being placed in the stationary container. This preliminary packaging action ensures that only foamable milk powder is introduced into the system, maintaining quality reliability while allowing the container to be refilled rather than replaced.
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
This solution enables more economical and efficient beverage preparation by allowing multiple uses of milk powder, ensuring optimal foam quality, and reducing the time and effort required for filling and removing capsules, while maintaining hygienic operation through easy cleaning and flexible preparation options.
Implementation Method 1
foamed up by means of a rotating foaming stirrer
Implementation Method 2
the proper foaming-up occurs in a foaming chamber by rotation vortexing of milk and air
Implementation Method 3
The water is in this case pumped, by means of a pump, from a water container and through a continuous-flow heater and via a hot water pipe to the piercing needles
Implementation Method 4
The water is in this case pumped, by means of a pump, from a water container
Implementation Method 5
through a continuous-flow heater
Implementation Method 6
by rotation vortexing of milk and air
Data Source
AI summary
An exchangeable air and aroma tight sealed container for powdered drink constituents is designed as a multi-portion container (12) in order to permit a rational preparation scheme for a milk or milk foam generation.