System, apparatus, method, capsule and kit of capsules for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using capsules are limited in the range of beverages they can produce, with complex and error-prone mechanisms for accommodating different capsule sizes, leading to inconsistent beverage quality under pressurized conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system with a dual brew chamber design that accommodates both first and second exchangeable capsules of varying sizes, featuring a movable brew chamber part that adjusts to ensure reliable alignment and locking, allowing for consistent brewing of different beverages without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable-volume brewing chamber with a moveable delimiting bottom part is used to accommodate different capsule sizes, then the adaptability of the apparatus increases, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is divided into a fixed first brew chamber part and a movable second brew chamber part. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be adjusted for different capsule sizes while the fixed portion maintains structural integrity and alignment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber is designed with a fixed first brew chamber part that can accommodate multiple capsule sizes through the addition of a movable second brew chamber part. This universal design allows the same brewing chamber structure to handle various capsule dimensions without requiring complete redesign, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable delimiting bottom part is used to adapt brewing chamber volume, then adaptability improves, but reliability decreases due to alignment issues under pressurized conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the brewing chamber into fixed and movable parts, the fixed first brew chamber part provides a stable reference frame that ensures reliable alignment under pressure. The movable second brew chamber part can be positioned and locked without compromising the overall structural stability, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second brew chamber part is positioned and secured before the brewing process begins. This preliminary action ensures that the brewing chamber is properly configured for the specific capsule size before pressure is applied, preventing alignment issues during the pressurized brewing process and ensuring reliable operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brewing chamber volume is adapted for different capsule sizes, then versatility increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to error-prone adaption
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented brewing chamber design with a fixed first brew chamber part and a movable second brew chamber part allows for precise positioning of the movable portion. This segmentation enables controlled adjustment to different capsule sizes while maintaining consistent brewing parameters, thereby preserving manufacturing precision and beverage quality consistency across different capsule types.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second brew chamber part is pre-positioned and secured according to the specific capsule size before brewing begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the brewing chamber is optimally set up for each capsule type, eliminating errors that would otherwise occur during the brewing process and maintaining consistent beverage quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex variable-volume brewing chamber is used, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation worsens due to error-prone adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is segmented into a fixed first brew chamber part and a movable second brew chamber part. This segmentation simplifies operation because the movable portion can be easily adjusted and locked into position for different capsule sizes, while the fixed portion remains unchanged. This design makes the adaptation process intuitive and error-free, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second brew chamber part is designed to be self-adjusting or easily positionable by the user based on the capsule size. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex manual adjustments or expert intervention, allowing users to easily configure the brewing chamber for different capsules without making errors, thereby improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preparing a quantity of beverage, including first and second capsules, and an apparatus including a first and a second brew chamber part, wherein at least a portion of the second brew chamber part is movable into a first and a second brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part is movable between a loading position and a brewing position, wherein the first brew chamber part in the brewing position together with the at least one portion of the second brew chamber part in the first brewing position and in the second position define respective closed positions in which the first exchangeable capsule and the second capsule fit in the brew chamber, respectively. The invention also relates to an apparatus, a method and a capsule.