Reusable beverage cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage forming systems face challenges in using reusable cartridges that require reconfiguration of machines to accommodate different types of cartridges, leading to potential clogging and inefficiencies in liquid flow management.
Innovation Solution
A reusable beverage cartridge design with a removable cover and peripheral openings that include one-way valves and movable plugs, allowing for controlled liquid flow and compatibility with both reusable and single-use cartridges, preventing reverse flow and clogging while allowing for easy operation with existing beverage machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reusable cartridges are used with piercing elements, then compatibility with existing machines is improved, but clogging of piercing elements by beverage material occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A piercing protection element is introduced as an intermediary component between the piercing element and the beverage material. This protection element has a piercing opening that allows the piercing element to pass through and establish liquid flow, while its surrounding structure prevents beverage material from contacting and clogging the piercing element. The protection element is selectively removable to allow cartridge replacement while maintaining protection during operation.
2Productivity
If reusable cartridges are designed for multiple uses, then productivity is improved, but difficulty in cleaning and reloading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separable components including a removable cover, a filter basket, and a piercing protection element. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed, cleaned, and maintained. The filter basket can be extracted to access and clean the piercing protection element, while the cover can be removed for top-loading beverage material, facilitating easy reloading and maintenance of reusable cartridges.
3Ease of operation
If piercing elements are used to introduce liquid, then ease of operation is improved, but reverse flow of beverage material occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing protection element serves as a mediator that allows forward flow of liquid through its piercing opening while blocking reverse flow of beverage material. The opening is configured to permit liquid entry during brewing but prevents beverage material from exiting through the same path, effectively creating a one-way flow control mechanism that protects the piercing element from clogging.
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 efficient and versatile use of reusable cartridges with existing beverage machines, preventing clogging and allowing for easy operation, while maintaining the ability to form beverages without reconfiguring the machine.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of peripheral openings includes a one-way valve that is openable in response to fluid pressure in a forward direction opposite the reverse direction, but otherwise prevents flow through a corresponding opening in a reverse direction
Implementation Method 2
a piercing element of the beverage machine may be received into the peripheral opening without contacting or otherwise interfering with the one-way valve. This may allow the piercing element to be used to introduce water into the cartridge through the peripheral opening
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable cartridge and method for forming a beverage using a beverage machine. The cartridge may include multiple openings, e.g., arranged to receive an inlet needle, through which liquid may be introduced into the cartridge. One or more of the openings may be closed to flow, e.g., by a plug that engages with a corresponding opening by a friction fit. A filter basket may be inserted or removed into the interior space through the opening and a cover may engage at top to seal the opening closed.