Symmetrical Capsule Code Orientation for Beverage Parameter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack flexibility in allowing users to finely tune preparation parameters such as temperature, volume, and pressure without requiring a complex and costly control panel, necessitating a simpler and more user-friendly method for selecting settings.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with symmetrical body segments featuring encoded settings that can be oriented within the machine or capsule holder to adjust preparation parameters, utilizing optical readers to adapt machine settings based on code alignment, eliminating the need for a complex control panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control panel is used to allow users to finely tune preparation parameters, then user control and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule itself serves as the control interface by encoding preparation parameters directly on its body. Users select settings by orienting the capsule, eliminating the need for a complex machine control panel. The system serves itself by using the capsule's orientation to automatically communicate settings to the machine's optical reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is copied from the machine to the capsule. Instead of having controls on the machine, the preparation parameters are encoded on the capsule body, and the capsule itself becomes the control medium that the machine reads optically.
2Ease of operation
If an optical reader system is implemented to read capsule codes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical control system (buttons, dials, switches) is replaced with an optical reading system. The machine uses an optical reader to detect the capsule's orientation and read the encoded parameters, substituting mechanical user interactions with optical detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If codes are placed on capsule body segments, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule body is designed with asymmetrical code placement on its segments. By positioning codes at specific locations on the capsule's body segments and using the capsule's orientation, the system achieves precise parameter communication without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for code placement.
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 users to quickly and reliably select preparation parameters with minimal steps, enhancing user control and flexibility while reducing machine costs by simplifying the selection process through code-based orientation and optical reader technology.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing optical readers to adapt machine settings based on code alignment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a capsule (1) for food or beverage preparation having a capsule body defining a compartment for containing a precursor ingredient, the capsule body being a volume with one symmetry plane or one symmetry axis so as to define at least two symmetrical volume segments, the capsule (1) being suitable for coupling any of its body segments to a food or beverage preparation machine (14) for injection of a mixing ingredient from the machine within the capsule, characterized in that the capsule (1) comprises at least two codes (15) each located in one body segment, each code (15) carrying two different alternative values of a same beverage preparation setting.