Beverage Capsule Brewing Device with Automatic Eject Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage brewing systems lack an efficient mechanism for automatically removing and disposing of used capsules, particularly in commercial environments where handling wet, hot, and messy capsules is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A brewing device equipped with a funnel and support collar that includes upper and lower needles for accommodating different capsule sizes, along with an eject mechanism using a lift arm and return spring to automatically pivot the support collar and eject used capsules after brewing, allowing for immediate insertion of new capsules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual capsule removal is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to handling time between brewing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The support collar is designed to pivot between a first position (during brewing) and a second position (for capsule ejection). The eject mechanism dynamically changes the orientation of the support collar to facilitate automatic capsule removal, transforming a static holding structure into a dynamic ejection system that improves productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The eject mechanism enables automatic capsule ejection without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by using the pivotable support collar to mechanically eject the used capsule after brewing, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle wet, hot capsules and thereby increasing productivity
2Loss of time
If support collar is held in fixed position, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual capsule removal
Solution Approach 1:
The support collar is pre-configured with a pivotable design that enables automatic capsule ejection. The eject mechanism is prepared in advance to pivot the support collar to the ejection position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the time between brewing cycles despite the added mechanical complexity
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
Enables automatic disposal of used capsules, simplifying the brewing process by eliminating the need for manual handling and allowing for continuous operation with minimal downtime between brewing cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring connected to the support collar for returning the support collar to an initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A brewing system for brewing a single cup capsule beverage of different sizes is disclosed which comprises a funnel for receiving capsules of different sizes having an upper end for receiving the capsules therein, a lower end having a delivery spout, an upper needle, and a lower needle, a support collar adjacent the upper end of the funnel for receiving therein the capsules, and an eject mechanism connected to the support collar for pivoting the support collar away from the upper end of the funnel to eject the capsule out of the support collar.