Removable Capsule Injection Member for Cleaner Beverage Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face issues with scaling and maintenance of injection members, which affect functionality and require regular cleaning, and lack interchangeability for varying injection conditions to optimize beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A device with a releasably mounted injection member featuring a support and injection element, allowing for easy cleaning and interchangeability, and a closing mechanism that ensures safe and secure operation, including a latch mechanism for convenient maintenance and adjustable injection conditions through varying needle elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the injection member is fixed in the device, then the structural integrity and safety are improved, but the ease of cleaning and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The injection member is divided into separable components (injection needle, support member, connection element) that can be detached from the device. This segmentation allows the injection member to be removed for cleaning while maintaining structural integrity during operation through the connection mechanism with retaining arms and engagement features.
2Ease of repair
If the injection member is made removable for cleaning, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the risk of unintended removal and safety issues worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism includes retaining arms and engagement features that are pre-configured to secure the injection member before operation. The latch mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the injection member is inserted, preventing unintended removal during beverage preparation while allowing intentional removal for cleaning.
3Device complexity
If a single injection member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different beverage types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed with universal engagement features (retaining arms, connection elements, latch mechanism) that can accommodate different injection member configurations. This allows the same device structure to support various needle types and injection parameters for different beverage preparations while maintaining consistent operational reliability.
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
Enhances the cleaning and maintenance process of injection members, ensures safe operation by minimizing user contact with residues, and allows for customizable injection conditions to improve beverage quality and extend device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for delivering a liquid to the injection member under pressure
Implementation Method 2
a heater for heating the liquid to a required temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a device for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule provided to the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (22) for inserting a capsule (24) into a receiving chamber (25) of the device, a closing mechanism (21) to selectively enclose said capsule by a relative movement of at least two enclosing members (10, 25b), and at least one injection member (1) comprising a support member (2) and at least one injection element (3), for receiving a liquid, attached to said support member (2) which is arranged to inject liquid into a capsule (24) provided to the device, wherein the injection member (1) is releasably mounted on a support (10) at the injection side of said receiving chamber (25) by means of a releasable connection mechanism (4a, 4b, 12).