Portable Beverage Preparation With Simplified Capsule Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices are not compact or ergonomic enough for handheld operation and lack energy autonomy, making them less portable and inconvenient for use without external energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation apparatus with a portable design that includes a fluid supply source with energy autonomy, allowing operation without external power, featuring a swiveling closing mechanism for single portion collection and discharge, and a fluid pressurization system for injecting pressurized fluid into a capsule, enabling handheld operation and autonomous use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beverage preparation devices are made compact and portable for handheld operation, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and energy autonomy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closing disposition and beverage discharge disposition into a single integrated mechanism that moves together. The closing element is coupled to the beverage discharge disposition so that when the closing element moves to close the collection device, it simultaneously triggers the beverage discharge. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining handheld portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element serves multiple functions: it closes the collection device to seal the capsule, and simultaneously acts as the actuation mechanism for beverage discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuation mechanisms, simplifying the device while enabling handheld operation.
2Ease of operation
If a swiveling closing mechanism is used for single portion collection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having a complex locking mechanism that requires multiple steps to open and close, the patent uses a swiveling closing element that opens and closes by simply rotating around an axis. This inversion of the traditional closing mechanism approach simplifies the operation to a single rotational motion while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed to move dynamically through a swiveling motion rather than requiring precise linear positioning. This dynamic approach allows for easier operation with less mechanical complexity, as the rotational movement naturally guides the closing element into the correct position without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If energy autonomous fluid supply and pressurization systems are integrated, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply system is designed to be self-contained and autonomous, with an integrated pressurization mechanism that does not require external power sources. The system uses the mechanical energy from the closing element's swiveling motion to activate the pressurization and fluid discharge, making the system self-service and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic principles for fluid pressurization and discharge. By using fluid pressure mechanisms that can be activated by the mechanical motion of the closing element, the system achieves efficient beverage preparation without requiring complex electrical or mechanical pressurization systems, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
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
The apparatus provides a simple, ergonomic, and portable solution for preparing beverages like espresso, allowing single-handed operation and autonomous use, enhancing usability and convenience by integrating a self-contained fluid supply and pressurization system.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressurization system for injecting pressurized fluid into a capsule
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus (1) for preparing beverages, in particular aromatic beverages such as espresso coffee and similar, from the brewing of a single portion (2) of a respective edible substance, whereby said apparatus (1) comprises a portion collection disposition (3) adapted for collecting said single portion (2) of edible substance and a beverage discharge (5), and is advantageously configured so as to simplify the actuation of respective portion collection disposition (3), and to be operated in portable manner, for example in the form of a compact apparatus, recipient, or transported, for example in the form of backpack, or trolley, along a given distance autonomously relative to external energy sources.The present invention further discloses a process for distribution of beverages by means of a beverage preparation apparatus.