Brewing device for producing a beverage from a single-serve capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing devices face issues with safely and efficiently removing single-serve cartridges, particularly those made of poorly resistant materials, due to asymmetrical and concentrated thrusts, which can lead to cartridge damage during the brewing and extraction process.
Innovation Solution
The brewing device employs a segmented centering/extracting device with protruding elements and an annular centering/extracting device, which are elastically assembled to evenly distribute the thrust and ensure detachment of the cartridge without causing damage, using piercing devices with specific spike configurations to manage the brewing and extraction processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single concentrated pusher is used to remove the cartridge, then the extraction function is simple, but the thrust is asymmetrical and concentrated which risks tearing the cartridge casing
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor is divided into multiple segments (first extractor segment and second extractor segment) that can move independently. Each segment applies thrust to different areas of the cartridge, distributing the force evenly and preventing concentrated stress points that would tear the cartridge casing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic material is used to soften the thrust, then the cartridge is protected from damage, but the extractor size increases and adaptability to different cartridge types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor segments are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt their position and movement characteristics based on the cartridge type. The segments can move in the direction of cartridge removal and return to initial positions, providing dynamic adjustment without requiring large elastic materials.
3Productivity
If the extractor applies strong thrust to ensure cartridge removal, then the extraction efficiency is high, but the cartridge casing made of poorly resistant material is torn
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction force is segmented and distributed across multiple contact points on the cartridge. The first and second extractor segments apply thrust to different areas simultaneously, maintaining high overall extraction efficiency while preventing excessive stress concentration that would damage weak cartridge materials.
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
This solution effectively prevents cartridge damage by distributing the thrust evenly and ensuring secure detachment, maintaining the integrity of the cartridge during brewing and extraction, even when made of weak materials, while ensuring efficient beverage production.
Implementation Method 1
at least one extractor segment is provided with elastic means for providing the thrust needed for detaching the cartridge from the brewing half-chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A brewing device (1) for producing a beverage (1) from a single-serve cartridge (2). The brewing device (1) comprises a water injection assembly (7) and a beverage extraction assembly (8) defining respective brewing half-chambers (20, 19) and mutually movable along a longitudinal axis (6) from and to a closed configuration, where they form a brewing chamber for the cartridge (2). The brewing device (1) further comprises a pusher (25) adapted to push the cartridge (2) out of the brewing half-chamber (19) of the injection assembly (7) when the brewing device (1) returns to the open configuration at the end of a beverage extraction process. The pusher (25) comprises a plurality of pushing members (27) distributed around the longitudinal axis (6) and is movable, along the longitudinal axis (6), against the action of elastic return means, from an advanced rest position, where the pushing members (27) protrude inside the brewing half-chamber (19), to a forced retracted position, where the pushing members (27) fail to protrude inside the brewing half-chamber (19).