Beverage preparation device having a compact structure and method for operating said device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation devices are not compact or ergonomic, making them difficult to operate and transport, especially for portable use without external energy sources.

Innovation Solution

A compact beverage preparation apparatus with a swiveling closing element and a remote fluid supply source, including a fluid storage and pressurization system, allowing for autonomous operation and ergonomic handling, enabling the device to be handheld and portable, similar to a backpack or trolley.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the device is designed to be compact and portable, then it can be handheld and transported easily, but the operating space and structural complexity are reduced making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidoperation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element is designed to swivel between a closed position (for compact handheld operation) and an open position (providcing access to the collection chamber). This dynamic positioning allows the device to maintain compact form while enabling operation when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The closing element's free edge is oriented backward and swivels around a reference axis, creating a lever-like motion that provides mechanical advantage in a compact space. This dimensional arrangement allows effective operation without increasing device volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the closing element is oriented with free edge forward, then it provides better access for operation, but the device becomes less compact and harder to handheld

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing element accessibilityVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of orienting the closing element's free edge forward for accessibility, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning the free edge backward. The swiveling mechanism compensates for this inversion by providing the necessary motion range for operation while maintaining compact form

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device includes remote fluid supply source, then it achieves autonomous operation without external energy sources, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid supply source is integrated into the device structure, serving multiple functions: fluid storage, pressurization, and delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external systems while achieving autonomous operation

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device contains its own fluid supply source that operates autonomously without external energy sources. The system serves itself by integrating the fluid storage and pressurization mechanisms within the device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for efficient and ergonomic preparation of beverages, such as espresso, by enabling single-handed operation and autonomous use, enhancing portability and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a closing element (71) presenting an elongated form and provided so that can swivel around a reference swivel axis (72), between a closed position and an open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwiveling movement: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

fluid pressurization means provided in the backpack-like part and connected by means of a pipe to respective beverage discharge means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 3

preparing beverages by means of injection of a pressurized fluid flow upon a single portion of respective edible substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid injection mixing: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3597082B1Beverage preparation device having a compact structure and method for operating said device
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 NOVADELTA COMML E IND DE CAFES SA
  • EP3597082B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3597082B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3597082B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

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.