Semiautonomous Beverage Apparatus with Exclusive Brewing and Locomotion Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous systems for distributing edible products, such as beverages, lack ergonomic design for user interaction during self-propelled displacement and preparation, particularly in terms of loading capsules into brewing devices, and do not facilitate casual user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A semiautonomous apparatus with a casing featuring multiple service regions for beverage preparation and discharge, integrated propulsion and locomotion means, and a control device that ensures exclusive operation modes for brewing and movement, allowing user-initiated brewing only when the device is stationary, along with surroundings recognition for user and environment interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous systems are equipped with self-propulsion means for distribution of edible products, then the system can move independently to serve users, but the ergonomic design for user interaction during preparation and movement becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct service regions: a first service region for beverage preparation with capsule loading interface, and a second service region for user interaction with control interface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's function while maintaining overall system autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
A control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the autonomous system's brewing and propulsion functions. The control device receives user inputs and coordinates the brewing device and propulsion means, enabling casual user intervention without requiring complex manual operation of moving parts.
2Productivity
If the apparatus integrates brewing device and propulsion means in a single autonomous unit, then distribution efficiency is improved, but the complexity of ensuring safe and efficient user interaction during both preparation and movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically manages the operational states of the brewing device and propulsion means, ensuring they operate in mutually exclusive modes. The system transitions between stationary brewing mode and moving propulsion mode, with the control device coordinating these dynamic state changes to prevent unsafe operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the operational status of both the brewing device and propulsion means, and provides feedback control to ensure safe operation. The system detects whether it is in brewing or propulsion mode and adjusts its responses accordingly, preventing conflicting operations and ensuring user safety.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus allows casual user intervention in the brewing process, then ease of use is improved, but the risk of improper operation during autonomous displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing device is designed to be self-contained within the autonomous apparatus, with the control device automatically managing the brewing process once initiated. Users can casually interact by selecting beverage options, but the actual brewing execution is handled by the automated system, reducing the risk of improper manual operation during movement.
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
The apparatus provides a simpler, more ergonomic solution for preparing and distributing edible products by ensuring safe and efficient user interaction during preparation and movement, with user-controlled brewing and autonomous navigation, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Said systems comprise fluid pressurization means, optionally also fluid heating means
Implementation Method 2
Said systems comprise fluid pressurization means, optionally also fluid heating means
Implementation Method 3
a subsystem for autonomous propulsion and locomotion, whereby the operation of both of said subsystems is controlled by a control device (8)
Implementation Method 4
said control device (8) is provided so that the operation of said brewing device (4) and of said propulsion and locomotion means (5) is mutually exclusive
Data Source
AI summary
A semiautonomous apparatus (1) for preparation and distribution of edible products, e.g. beverages, having a subsystem of preparation of edible products based upon portions (2) of edible substances, for example capsule of ground coffee beans for preparing expresso coffee, and comprising at least one brewing device (4), and a subsystem of propulsion and locomotion comprising propulsion and locomotion means (5). The apparatus (1) comprises a casing (3) with a generally parallelepiped, cylindrical shape, or other, that configures a top area that develops at all width and all length at the highest level of said casing (3). The top area comprises a plurality of service regions (31, 32) distributed in coherent manner in the top area of said casing (3). The first service region (31) presents first and second openings (11, 12) for introduction of portions (2) and for discharging beverage in a direction opposite to the gravity force.