Support device for a starting material of a hot beverage preparation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot drink preparation machines lack variability, as they are limited to processing either powdered materials or materials in containers like pads and capsules, requiring separate machines for different formats.
Innovation Solution
A carrier device and machine design that accommodates different sizes of capsules and pads, with a holder and receiving means that can be adapted for various types of hot drink preparation, including ground coffee, coffee pods, and cocoa, allowing for a single machine to handle multiple formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the holder has a fixed opening size, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate capsules of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving means is divided into multiple sections: a first receiving section for the capsule body and a second receiving section for the capsule lid. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently and accommodates different capsule dimensions through selective combination and positioning of these sections within the holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing parts of the receiving means to protrude through the holder's opening. The first receiving section extends downward through the holder opening, creating a multi-level receiving structure that accommodates various capsule heights and sizes without requiring a completely different holder design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate machines are used for different drink formats, then each machine is optimized for its specific function, but the user needs multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple types of starting materials: capsules, coffee pads, and ground coffee. The receiving means can be configured to hold capsules of various sizes, pads with different dimensions, or loose coffee powder, allowing a single machine to replace multiple specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving means is designed to be movable and adjustable within the holder. The first and second receiving sections can be positioned and configured dynamically to accommodate different starting material formats, transforming a static holder into an adaptable system that responds to different capsule, pad, or powder requirements.
3Reliability
If the receiving means is completely enclosed, then the capsule is securely held, but the hot drink cannot emerge properly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving means has different structural qualities in different locations: the first receiving section provides enclosed support for the capsule body with lateral walls for secure holding, while the second receiving section provides an open top structure for the capsule lid that allows hot drink emergence. This local differentiation of structural properties simultaneously achieves secure fixation and proper drink dispensing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Carrier device (24) for a starting material for a hot beverage preparation, in particular a portafilter, comprising a holder (15) which, in the position of use, has an opening (4) on the upper side and an opening (16) on the underside, receiving means (17) for the starting material, which are held by and/or in the holder (15), connection means (6) for connection to a machine for preparing the hot drink, in particular an espresso machine, the connection means (6) being arranged on the holder (15), with the holder (15) receiving means (17) for receiving a capsule (18), in particular a coffee capsule, can be held.