A system and method to obtain and optimize mixtures for preparing beverages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current beverage preparation methods fail to create personalized mixtures or blends that meet individual sensory, physical, or functional requirements, often resulting in unbalanced or incompatible components.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a dedicated computer program code to generate personalized formulas for beverages, which includes a user interface for inputting specific characteristics, a transceiver for transmitting the formula to a remote device, and a management unit to prepare the beverage using a selector, measuring, grinding, and beverage preparing units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If predefined mixtures are used for beverage preparation, then the preparation process is simple and quick, but the beverage cannot satisfy individual sensory, physical, or functional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeverage preparation simplicityVSAvoidpersonalization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The beverage preparation system is segmented into multiple functional units (selector unit with containers, measuring unit, mixing unit, grinding unit, beverage preparing unit) that can independently operate to create personalized formulations. Each unit handles a specific aspect of the preparation process, allowing complex personalization while maintaining operational simplicity through automated coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the beverage formulation based on user inputs regarding sensory preferences, physical requirements, and functional needs. The computer program code modifies the mixture composition in real-time, transforming a static predefined mixture system into a dynamic personalized formulation system that adapts to individual requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If do-it-yourself mixtures are prepared, then some personalization is possible, but the mixture can contain unbalanced or incompatible components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser customization optionVSAvoidmixture compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The computer program code analyzes user inputs and provides feedback by selecting compatible components from the database. The system cross-checks selected substances against compatibility criteria, ensuring that only balanced and compatible combinations are prepared. This feedback mechanism prevents unbalanced or incompatible mixtures while maintaining user customization options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-validation by automatically checking component compatibility and balance through its computer program code. The management and control means monitors the entire preparation process, ensuring that the final mixture meets reliability criteria without requiring external verification. This self-service approach maintains both customization and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If personalized formulas are generated and transmitted to remote devices, then beverage customization is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized formulation capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal components that perform multiple functions: the computer program code handles formulation generation, compatibility checking, and transmission coordination; the transceiver means communicates with various remote devices; the management and control means supervises all units. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the personalized formulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver means acts as an intermediary between the local system and remote beverage preparation devices. It handles the transmission of personalized formulas without requiring complex direct integration between all system components. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling personalized formulation delivery to remote devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3182869B1A system and method to obtain and optimize mixtures for preparing beverages
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 ILLYCAFFE S P A CON UNICO SOCIO
  • EP3182869B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3182869B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3182869B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device to produce personalized mixtures of substances is configured to be controlled by computer program code running on a user terminal. The computer program code enables a user of the user terminal to create and personalize the formulas for optimizing the beverage according to the specific needs of the user and order the beverages from a remote location.