Adjustable Capsule Receptacle for Multisize Brewing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines face challenges in reliably handling capsules of different sizes due to complex mechanical principles and the risk of improper alignment, which can lead to damage and inefficient brewing processes.
Innovation Solution
A capsule handling device with a movable second part and a first part that can change dimensions to accommodate capsules of varying sizes, using a mechanical transmission system and actuator to move between transfer and extraction positions, ensuring proper alignment and sealing for efficient brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical transmission system with multiple movable parts is used to extract capsules horizontally, then the positioning accuracy and sealing are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capsule insertion movement and the extraction chamber closure movement into a single actuator operation. The actuator simultaneously drives the second part horizontally to insert the capsule and closes the extraction chamber, eliminating the need for separate movable parts and complex mechanical transmissions while maintaining positioning accuracy and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it inserts the capsule horizontally, closes the extraction chamber, and ensures proper sealing. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the required precision for capsule handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extraction chamber dimensions are fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different capsule sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction chamber is designed with adjustable dimensions that can dynamically adapt to different capsule sizes. The chamber walls or components can move or reconfigure to accommodate various capsule diameters and lengths, allowing the same device to handle multiple capsule types without requiring multiple fixed-size chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction chamber is divided into adjustable segments or modular components that can be reconfigured based on capsule size. This segmentation allows flexible adjustment of chamber dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each segment can independently adapt to different capsule specifications.
3Productivity
If manual capsule positioning is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loading time and user manipulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a capsule insertion mechanism that automatically positions the capsule in the correct orientation and location before the extraction process begins. This preliminary automated positioning eliminates the need for manual trial-and-error placement, significantly reducing loading time and user manipulation while the mechanism remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule insertion mechanism is designed to automatically guide and position the capsule without requiring precise manual intervention. The mechanism uses simple guides, ramps, or spring-loaded components that enable the capsule to self-position correctly, achieving rapid loading with minimal device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A machine (1) comprises a frame (1') and a capsule handling device (1'') mounted in and/or on the frame (1'). The device (1'') has a first part (10) and a second part (20) that is movable relatively to the frame (1') from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa. The second part (20) comprising: a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21') for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming in the extraction position an extraction chamber (21'') with the first part (10); and a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension (21da,21db,21ha,21hb) of the cavity (21') and of the extraction chamber (21''). The device (1'') further comprises an actuator (30,300) connected to the second part (20) for driving the movable second part (20) between the transfer position and the extraction position. The actuator (30,300) is further connected to the firstand/or second portions (21a,21b) of the second part (20) to relatively move the first and second portions (21a,21b) between their first and second relative positions.