System for the preparation of beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using capsules can only differentiate between capsule volumes based on length or height, limiting the ability to accommodate capsules with different cross-sectional dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The infusion chamber's lateral delimitation structure includes a movable portion that adjusts transversely to increase the cross-section of the introduction opening, allowing for the use of capsules with varying cross-sectional dimensions by coupling the end delimitation part with a movable mechanism, enabling the chamber to adapt to different capsule types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capsules are differentiated only by length to indicate different volumes, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot accommodate capsules with different cross-sectional dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion chamber incorporates a movable end delimitation part that can shift along the longitudinal axis in response to capsule insertion. This dynamic adjustment allows the chamber to adapt its internal volume and cross-sectional dimensions to match different capsule types, enabling the system to accommodate capsules with varying lengths and cross-sections without requiring multiple fixed chamber configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static, single-dimension (length-based) capsule differentiation approach to a dynamic, multi-dimensional adaptation system. The movable end delimitation part enables the chamber to adjust not only along the longitudinal axis but also to modify its cross-sectional dimensions, thereby accommodating capsules differentiated by both length and cross-sectional area
2Adaptability or versatility
If the infusion chamber is designed with a fixed structure, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot adapt to capsules with varying cross-sectional dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral delimitation structure includes a movable portion that can shift transversely relative to the fixed portion. This dynamic mechanism allows the chamber to expand or contract its cross-sectional dimensions based on the inserted capsule's geometry, enabling adaptation to different capsule cross-sections while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral delimitation structure is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion. This segmentation allows the chamber to maintain structural stability through the fixed portion while enabling cross-sectional adaptation through the movable portion, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The system comprises 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 (hi, h2, h3). The system further comprises an infusion assembly (10) wherein there is defined 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 comprises 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). The arrangement is such that a capsule (C) introduced into the infusion chamber (20) causes a movement of the end delimitation part (16a) away from the introduction opening (20a), such that the infusion chamber (20) assumes a configuration and dimensions corresponding to those of the type of capsule (C) introduced thereinto. The lateral delimitation structure (13a, 13b; 14) of the infusion chamber (20) comprises further a movable portion (14) cooperating with the static portion (13a, 13b), and movable transversely to the direction of introduction of the capsules (C) into the chamber (20), against the action of an opposing spring (15), so as to increase the cross-section of the introduction opening (20a) and, correspondingly, the volume of the infusion chamber (20).