Variable-Volume Brewing Chamber for Multi-Length Beverage Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage brewing systems using capsules of different axial lengths require robust capsule structures to adapt the brewing chamber volume, which can be inefficient and limit the variety of capsule types that can be used.
Innovation Solution
The system employs capsules with differently shaped transverse flanges, allowing for distinct relative movements of the end delimiting part within the brewing chamber, and incorporates locking mechanisms such as drums and toothed members to accommodate various capsule types, enabling the recognition of each capsule type and adjusting the chamber configuration accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capsules have robust structures to adapt brewing chamber volume, then the brewing chamber can accommodate different capsule axial lengths, but the capsule structure becomes overly complex and manufacturing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber volume is made dynamically adjustable through a variable-volume mechanism that modifies the chamber configuration based on the detected capsule type, rather than requiring static robust capsule structures. The system detects capsule axial length and automatically adjusts the brewing chamber volume to match, eliminating the need for complex capsule designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the brewing chamber (volume, delimiting part position) based on the detected capsule type. By detecting capsule axial length and correspondingly adjusting the brewing chamber parameters, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complex capsule structures.
2Device complexity
If the brewing chamber volume is fixed, then the chamber structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate capsules of different axial lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is designed with a variable-volume capability that allows dynamic adjustment of chamber configuration. A delimiting part can move between different positions to create different chamber volumes, enabling the simple basic structure to adapt to various capsule types through controlled movement rather than complex fixed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing chamber is designed as a universal structure that can serve multiple functions by accommodating different capsule types. Through the variable-volume mechanism, a single chamber design handles various capsule axial lengths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized chamber designs.
3Device complexity
If manual control lever operation is used to introduce capsules, then the operation mechanism is simple, but the productivity and automation level are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic capsule introduction mechanisms that detect capsule presence and type, then automatically position and introduce the capsule into the brewing chamber without requiring manual intervention for each step. The control system self-manages the capsule introduction process based on detected parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control lever operation is supplemented or replaced by automated control systems that use sensors to detect capsule characteristics and automatically adjust the brewing chamber configuration and control the introduction process, reducing manual effort and increasing productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The system comprises: capsules (C) of at least a first type and a second type, having outwardly protruding transverse flanges (32), and respective different axial lengths (h1, h2, h3), and a brewing unit (6, 20, 7), in which there is defined a variable-volume brewing chamber (100) with a lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) and a slidable end delimiting part (54, 55), for receiving capsules (C) of said types introduced into the chamber (100). The capsules (C) of the aforementioned different types have flanges (32) of correspondingly different shapes, and the end delimiting part (54, 55) of the brewing chamber (100) carries stop members (70, 71) adapted to be coupled to the flanges (32) of said different types of capsules (C) when the latter are introduced into the brewing chamber (100), so as to allow correspondingly different relative movements of the end delimiting part (54, 55) relative to the lateral delimiting part (81, 81a) of said chamber (100).