Method of preparing a beverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation devices fail to set optimal process parameters, such as diluent temperature, based on the type of beverage ingredient, leading to suboptimal preparation and potential damage, like milk burning, due to default settings that do not account for the specific nature of the ingredients.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a mobile device and a beverage heating, mixing, and drinking device with a control system that receives information about the beverage ingredient through a communication interface, allowing it to adjust the heating and mixing processes based on the nature of the ingredient, using a temperature sensor to ensure the correct temperature is applied for optimal preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If default heating parameters are used for all beverages, then the device can prepare various types of beverages, but the temperature may be too high for some ingredients causing burning and bad taste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to prepare various beveragesVSAvoidburning of milk and bad taste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating parameters are made dynamic and adjustable based on the detected beverage type. The control system modifies heating temperature and duration in real-time according to the specific ingredient being prepared, transitioning from static default parameters to adaptive dynamic parameters that match the requirements of each beverage type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key process parameters (temperature, heating time, power level) based on the detected beverage ingredient. Different parameters are applied for different ingredients - for example, lower temperatures for milk-based beverages to prevent burning, and higher temperatures for coffee to ensure proper extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If a kettle is used to heat water, then water can be heated to high temperature, but an additional device is needed and the process is less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidneed for separate kettle
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating function is merged directly into the drinking container by integrating a heating element at the bottom of the cup. This combines the functions of water heating and beverage preparation into a single device, eliminating the need for a separate kettle while maintaining the ability to heat water to the required temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drinking container is designed with multiple functions: it serves as both the beverage holder and the heating device. The container can heat different types of beverages (water, milk, coffee) with appropriate temperature control, making it a universal device that replaces multiple single-function tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If stirring is performed at high speed continuously, then dissolution is improved, but energy consumption increases and may cause splashing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution of beverage powderVSAvoidenergy consumption of motor
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It provides high-speed stirring intermittently to achieve complete dissolution of the beverage powder, then reduces speed or stops when dissolution is sufficient. This periodic action pattern maintains effective mixing while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 system ensures that beverages are prepared at the appropriate temperature for their specific ingredients, preventing damage and ensuring optimal taste, while allowing for direct consumption from the device.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device configured for heating a liquid hold in the container body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature of a liquid contained in the container body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 3

a mixing device positioned within the container body... operable to mix the beverage ingredient with the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP3376923B1Method of preparing a beverage
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
  • EP3376923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3376923B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a system for beverage preparation comprising : -a mobile device (5), and -a beverage heating, mixing and drinking device (1) comprising :. a drinking container body,comprising a floor (21) and a sidewall (22) extending upwardly from the floor to form a space inside the sidewall and the floor wherein the beverage is mixed,. a mixing device (23) positioned within the container body,. a motor (24) cooperating with the mixing device through the floor of the container body,. a heating device (25) configured for heating a liquid hold in the container body,. a temperature sensor (26) configured for measuring the temperature of a liquid contained in the container body,. a control system (4) operable to execute a beverage preparation process comprising control of the heating device (25) and the mixing device (26), the control system comprising a communication interface (42) to receive information from the mobile device (5), wherein the control system (4) receives through the communication interface (42) information related to at least the nature of the beverage ingredient introduced in the drinking container body manually.