Portable Capsule Holder with Inverted Flow for Universal Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve coffee machines require different machines for using variously sized and shaped coffee pads or capsules, leading to complex adapters and non-intuitive capsule insertion, especially when capsules need to be inserted upside-down for optimal liquid flow.
Innovation Solution
A brewing unit and portable capsule holder design that allows for intuitive capsule insertion with a liquid flow system that injects water from the top, enabling the use of both soft pads and capsules in the same machine without needing adapters, with a channel system that ensures optimal fluid dynamics for coffee extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of pads or capsules are used, then beverage variety is improved, but device complexity increases due to needing different machines and adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing unit is designed with a universal brewing chamber that can accommodate both capsules and pads through a single standardized holder interface. The holder can be configured to securely hold either capsule type or pad type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines or complex adapters for different beverage preparations.
2Manufacturing precision
If capsules are inserted upside-down for optimal liquid flow, then coffee quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with an inverted configuration where the capsule is held upside-down relative to its natural orientation, but the holder itself is inserted into the brewing chamber in the conventional upright position. This inversion within the holder ensures that liquid flows optimally from the bottom of the capsule upward through the coffee grounds, while the user experiences intuitive upright insertion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to accommodate different pad or capsule types, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates multiple functions that were previously separated into different adapters into a single unified component. The holder includes integrated sealing elements, positioning features, and attachment mechanisms that work together to securely hold both capsules and pads without requiring separate adapter assemblies, thereby simplifying the user interface while maintaining universal compatibility.
4Device complexity
If a single machine is used for both pads and capsules, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in guaranteeing proper sealing and force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates dynamic elements including spring-loaded sealing mechanisms and adjustable clamping forces that automatically adapt to the specific type of container being held (capsule or pad). These dynamic features ensure that the holder maintains optimal sealing pressure and force distribution regardless of whether a rigid capsule or flexible pad is inserted, thereby ensuring reliable operation while keeping the machine design simplified.
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
Enables easy handling and efficient brewing of different coffee types with one machine, ensuring correct capsule placement and optimal liquid flow without the need for adapters, improving user experience and coffee quality.
Implementation Method 1
the lid comprises a liquid feeding channel which runs through the lid and ends in a first liquid outlet arranged at a bottom side of the lid, and wherein the lid further comprises a liquid transport channel which starts at a liquid inlet arranged at the bottom side of the lid, runs internally through the lid, and ends in a second liquid outlet arranged at the bottom side of the lid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beverage machine. The beverage machine comprises a brewing unit (10) with (i) a main body (12) defining a hollow (14) for receiving a portable capsule holder (18) and (ii) a lid (20) connected to the main body (12) for opening and closing the hollow (14). The beverage machine comprises a portable capsule holder (18) that is configured to receive a capsule (50) which encapsulates an extractable food product. The brewing unit (10) and the portable capsule holder (18) cooperate together in a manner that is regarding the liquid flow similar as a fountain.