System, apparatus, and method for preparing a beverage cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage cartridges are expensive and lack customization options, with commercially available ones being costly on a per-volume basis and not allowing consumers to self-select their preferred blends, while multi-use cartridges are poorly sealed and prone to air and moisture degradation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for manually preparing and sealing single-use beverage cartridges that allows users to self-select and fill cartridges with customizable blends, using a cartridge handling and filling system that adapts to various shapes and includes sealing mechanisms like thermal, sonic, or adhesive sealing to ensure long-term storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If commercially available single-use cartridges are used, then convenience and storage are improved, but cost per volume increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beverage preparation process into separate components: reusable cartridge housing and disposable sealed lids. This allows the expensive cartridge body to be reused while only the inexpensive lid is discarded, dramatically reducing cost per volume while maintaining convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes only the lid disposable rather than the entire cartridge. The lid contains the beverage component and is discarded after use, while the cartridge housing is reused. This applies the disposable principle selectively to minimize waste and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-use cartridges with openable covers are used, then customization is improved, but sealing quality deteriorates leading to air and moisture degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simple hinged lid design that replicates the opening/closing function of complex multi-use cartridges but achieves superior sealing through proper hinge construction and sealing surfaces. The lid copies the essential functionality while improving the sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid incorporates flexible sealing elements and thin film barriers that create an effective seal against air and moisture. The flexible materials conform to the cartridge opening and maintain sealing integrity through repeated opening and closing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-use cartridges are used, then blending flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the blending function from the storage function. Users blend beverages in separate containers and transfer to the cartridge, or use pre-packaged coffee grounds. This segmentation simplifies the cartridge design while maintaining blending flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service blending by allowing users to fill the cartridge themselves with custom blends from their own coffee grounds or pre-packaged containers, eliminating the need for complex built-in blending mechanisms.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If multi-use cartridges are used, then reuse value is improved, but storage sealing deteriorates between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable sealed lid is designed to maintain sealing integrity throughout the entire storage period between uses. The lid's sealing mechanism is optimized for long-term storage protection rather than repeated reuse, ensuring the beverage remains fresh until consumption.
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 consumers to create custom blends at a lower cost, with improved convenience and sealing, reducing waste and maintaining flavor quality over time, while being compatible with conventional brewing systems.
Implementation Method 1
sealing mechanisms like thermal, sonic, or adhesive sealing
Implementation Method 2
sealing mechanisms like thermal, sonic, or adhesive sealing
Implementation Method 3
sealing mechanisms like thermal, sonic, or adhesive sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for beverage cartridge preparation allows users to self-select, fill, and seal single use cartridges with improved convenience and for long term storage. The system includes a cartridge handling system and a cartridge filling system operative relative to a cartridge to be filled. The cartridge handling system includes mobility relative to operative members of the cartridge filling system and one or more single use beverage cartridges. Adaptive cartridge shapes and components are provided to fit a particular preparation system. Adaptive and alternative mechanisms for the systems and aspects herein allow convenient manual filling, packing, and sealing of a plurality of single cartridges.