Processing unit, system comrising a consumable and use of a consumable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage dispensing appliances using capsule-type consumables face limitations in producing non-standard foodstuff products with complex control arrangements and high costs, particularly in processing multi-chamber consumables to achieve enhanced flavor and variety.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit with a receiving cavity, sealing unit, primary and auxiliary outlet engagement units, and a control unit that allows time-displaced engagement of outlet portions, enabling the preparation of mixed beverages without requiring complex high-pressure sealing arrangements, thus facilitating cost-efficient production of diverse foodstuff products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injection needles are provided for each chamber in multi-chamber capsules, then the beverage preparation capability is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet engagement unit is divided into multiple independent piercing elements (first piercing element, second piercing element, third piercing element) that can selectively engage different outlet portions of the capsule. This segmentation allows the system to access multiple chambers through a single unified structure, achieving multi-beverage capability without requiring separate injection needles for each chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outlet engagement unit serves multiple functions by enabling access to different outlet portions (first outlet portion, second outlet portion, third outlet portion) of the capsule. This universal structure can prepare various beverage types (espresso, americano, latte) using a single multi-functional component instead of multiple specialized needles, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex high-pressure sealing arrangements are implemented for multi-chamber consumables, then the beverage preparation precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex high-pressure sealing arrangements at the inlet side to prevent recirculation, the invention inverts the approach by using the outlet engagement structure itself to control fluid flow. The piercing elements at the outlet portions naturally manage pressure distribution and prevent recirculation through their geometric design, simplifying the sealing requirements while maintaining beverage preparation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet engagement unit with its multiple piercing elements automatically manages the complex fluid dynamics of multi-chamber capsules through its own structure. The arrangement of piercing elements and outlet portions creates natural pressure zones that prevent recirculation without requiring additional sealing mechanisms, allowing the structure to serve its own sealing function and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If rigid capsule structures are used, then the hydraulic seals effectiveness is improved, but the ability to control water flow paths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control of water flow paths through the selective engagement of different outlet portions by the outlet engagement unit. While the capsule itself remains rigid to maintain seal effectiveness, the outlet engagement unit can dynamically redirect water flow to different chambers based on the desired beverage type, achieving flow path control without compromising the structural integrity and sealing reliability of the rigid capsule.
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 the preparation of non-standard mixed beverages like café americano and caffè latte by engaging distinct outlet portions at different time instants, enhancing flavor variety and reducing production costs compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized water can be supplied through a primary inlet portion to a first chamber of the at least two chambers
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a processing unit (14) for a dispenser (10) for preparation of foodstuff products, comprising a receiving cavity (17) for receiving a consumable (30), the receiving cavity (17) comprising at least a first receiving portion (18) and at least a first fastening portion (20), a sealing unit (22) arranged to contact, at an inlet side (28), a first end (78) of the consumable (30), a primary inlet engagement unit (46) that is coupled to an inlet conduit (44), wherein the primary inlet engagement unit (46) is operable to engage the inlet portion (140) of the consumable (30) to process a foodstuff product in the consumable (30), an outlet engagement arrangement (48) comprising a primary outlet engagement unit (50) that engages a primary outlet portion (142) of the consumable (30) and an auxiliary outlet engagement unit (52) that engages an auxiliary outlet portion (144) of the consumable (30) at the outlet side (29), and a control unit (58) that is coupled to the auxiliary outlet engagement unit (52), wherein the control unit (58) is operable to control the auxiliary outlet engagement unit (52) such that the primary outlet engagement unit (50) and the auxiliary outlet engagement unit (52) engage the consumable (30) in a time-displaced manner, The disclosure further relates to a foodstuff preparation system and to a use of a consumable (30) in a dispensing appliance (10).