Variable-Volume Infusion Chamber for Multi-Size Beverage Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using capsules can only differentiate volumes based on length or height, limiting the versatility in using capsules with different cross-sectional dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The infusion chamber's lateral delimitation structure includes a movable portion that adjusts the cross-section of the introduction opening, allowing for capsules of varying sizes and shapes to be used, enabling differentiation by both length and cross-sectional volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capsules are differentiated only by length or height, then the system structure remains simple, but the versatility in using capsules with different cross-sectional dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion chamber incorporates a movable portion that can dynamically adjust its position to accommodate different capsule types. The movable portion translates along a predetermined direction to modify the cross-section of the introduction opening, enabling the chamber to adapt to capsules with varying cross-sectional dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from differentiating capsules solely by one dimension (length/height) to differentiating by multiple dimensions (length and cross-sectional area). The movable portion enables adjustment in the cross-sectional dimension, allowing the infusion chamber to accommodate capsules with different cross-sectional areas while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the introduction opening cross-section is increased, then capsules with different cross-sectional dimensions can be used, but the volume of the infusion chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable portion dynamically adjusts the cross-section of the introduction opening based on the capsule type being used. When a capsule with larger cross-sectional dimensions is inserted, the movable portion translates to increase the opening cross-section accordingly, rather than maintaining a permanently large opening that would unnecessarily increase chamber volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable portion translates to increase the cross-section, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral delimitation structure incorporates a movable portion that translates along a predetermined direction to adjust the cross-section of the introduction opening. This dynamic element allows the structure to adapt to different capsule sizes while maintaining relatively simple opposing means (springs) that provide the restoring force
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion serves multiple functions: it increases the cross-section of the introduction opening to accommodate different capsule types, and it correspondingly increases the volume of the infusion chamber to match the capsule volume, all while being actuated by simple opposing spring mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the preparation of beverages including capsules (C) with a cup-shaped body (1) having an annular lateral wall (6) which tapers from a mouth opening (2) towards a bottom wall (5). These capsules (C) are of at least a first type and a second type, and have identical bottom walls (5) and different axial lengths (h1, h2, h3). An infusion assembly (10) has a variable-volume infusion chamber (20), having an introduction opening (20a), an end delimitation part (16a) having a shape corresponding to that of the bottom wall (5) of the capsules (C), and with a lateral delimitation structure (13a, 13b; 14) which includes a static portion (13a, 13b) and which extends between said introduction opening (20a) and the end delimitation part (16a). The latter is movable away from the introduction opening (20a).