A coffee machine used with a capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with single-use capsules pose a risk to users due to sharp blades in the opening apparatus that can cut hands during capsule insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design featuring a seating surface that moves independently to position itself above the opening apparatus, preventing user contact with the blades, and an opening mechanism with a cutter and stripper to safely open the capsule folio, while a sensor detects capsule placement to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sharp blades are used in the opening apparatus to cut the folio, then the folio can be effectively opened, but the user may be injured by contact with the blades
Solution Approach 1:
A seating surface acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the sharp blades. The seating surface receives the capsule and guides it onto the blades, preventing direct contact between the user and the cutting elements while still enabling effective folio opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating surface is positioned at a higher vertical level than the opening apparatus blades. This dimensional separation creates a safety barrier, allowing the capsule to be placed safely on the seating surface before being lowered onto the blades for cutting.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seating surface is positioned at a higher level than the opening apparatus, then user safety is improved by preventing contact with blades, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seating surface automatically moves downward when the user places a capsule on it, using the capsule's weight and positioning to trigger the motion. This self-activating mechanism reduces the need for additional motors or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating surface transitions from a static high-positioned safety barrier to a dynamic component that moves downward to engage the capsule with the blades. This dynamic behavior enables both safety during placement and effective cutting during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the seating surface moves downward to enable capsule contact with opening apparatus, then capsule opening is enabled, but the user may still contact the opening apparatus during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The seating surface performs periodic vertical movements: moving downward to enable capsule opening, then moving upward to restore the safety barrier position. This cyclic motion ensures blades are exposed only when needed for cutting and concealed during safe capsule placement and removal.
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
The design enhances user safety by preventing injuries from the opening apparatus during capsule handling and ensures secure operation by concealing the blades when not in use, maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of standard tension means.
Implementation Method 1
the upwards-downwards movement of the seating surface is realized by means of a tension means that is disposed under the seating surface, and that enables the seating surface to move upwards after the capsule is opened by being compressed by means of the pressure being exerted on the capsule
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a coffee machine (1) comprising a body (2); a housing (3) wherein preferably the single use capsule (K) is placed and that is disposed in the upper portion of the body (2); and an opening apparatus (4) that enables the folio (F) that closes the capsule (K) disposed on the housing (3) to be opened.