Delivery assembly for machines for preparing beverages via capsules and method of using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines with delivery assemblies face challenges in compactness and reliability due to the need for oscillating reaction members that increase overall dimensions, especially when dealing with capsule deformation during hot water injection.
Innovation Solution
A delivery assembly with a stationary reaction element and an ejector mechanism featuring articulated parts that allow angular displacement, eliminating the need for oscillating components and reducing the assembly's dimensions by utilizing a spring-activated articulation to manage the ejector's position and facilitate capsule ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oscillating reaction member is used to enable capsule ejection, then capsule ejection reliability is improved, but the overall dimensions of the delivery assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector member is divided into multiple articulated parts (first part, second part, third part) that can move relative to each other through articulations. This segmentation allows the ejector to achieve the necessary ejection motion while occupying less space than a single oscillating reaction member would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated parts of the ejector member move through angular displacements in multiple dimensions rather than requiring a single large oscillating motion. The first articulation allows angular displacement of the second part relative to the first part, and the second articulation allows angular displacement of the third part relative to the second part, enabling compact space utilization.
2Length of stationary object
If a stationary reaction element with articulated ejector parts is used, then the delivery assembly becomes more compact, but the complexity of the ejector mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating reaction member has been extracted and replaced with a stationary reaction element. The motion function is now achieved through the articulated parts of the ejector member itself, which are constrained by the stationary reaction element rather than requiring a separate oscillating component.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector member transitions from a static or simply movable component to a dynamically articulated structure with multiple parts that can angularly displace relative to each other. This dynamic articulation allows the mechanism to achieve complex motion patterns within a compact form factor.
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 solution provides a compact, reliable, and space-efficient delivery assembly that maintains high operational reliability by eliminating the need for oscillating reaction members, allowing for efficient capsule handling and ejection without interfering with new capsule insertion.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring-activated articulation to manage the ejector's position and facilitate capsule ejection
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing beverages via capsules (10) includes:a support structure (2) bearing an injector device (40) for introducing a fluid into a capsule (10);a capsule-holder (50), mounted movable in the support structure (2);guide elements (52-54, 32-34) designed to enable the capsule-holder (50) to displace between a position distanced from the injector device (40) and a position approached to the injector device (40);an actuation kinematic arrangement (3-7), which can be operated for causing displacements of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position; anda longitudinally extended ejector member (70), mounted movable on the capsule-holder (50) and designed to eject the capsule (10) on the outside of the capsule-holder (50) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) from the approached position to the distanced position.The ejector member (70) includes a plurality of parts (74, 75) connected in an articulated way, amongst which at least one first part (74) and one second part (75) articulated in such a way that the second part (75) is able to assume a plurality of angular positions with respect to the first part (74) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position where it is close up.