Beverage Capsule Cradle Mechanism for Automatic Retention and Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices for capsules with rigid or semi-rigid cylindrical or frustoconical side walls require complex mechanical systems and manual intervention for capsule retention and ejection, which complicates the brewing process and is not suitable for all types of capsules.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cradle mechanism that guides and holds the capsule using grooves and abutments, allowing it to pivot and translate, ensuring secure retention and automatic ejection without the need for independent mechanical devices, by using guiding and holding elements that allow the capsule to be inserted, sealed, and then ejected by gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanical system with independent devices is used for capsule retention and ejection, then capsule handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capsule retention and ejection functions into the existing cradle mechanism that is already part of the brewing assembly. The cradle's grooves and abutments serve dual purposes: guiding the capsule during insertion and providing retention during brewing, then enabling ejection through gravitational action. This eliminates the need for separate independent mechanical devices for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive capsule handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it guides the capsule during insertion, retains the capsule during the brewing process through its grooves and abutments, and facilitates ejection by allowing gravitational action when the brewing assembly is removed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each operation, reducing device complexity while improving adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is required for capsule ejection, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule ejection mechanism utilizes the natural gravitational force acting on the brewing assembly. When the brewing assembly is removed from the capsule container, gravity automatically causes the capsule to eject from the cradle through the action of the grooves and abutments. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or additional actuation steps, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining sufficient control through the designed gravitational action.
3Strength
If rigid capsule structures are used, then capsule strength is improved, but adaptability to different brewing mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cradle mechanism with grooves and abutments that can accommodate rigid capsules with cylindrical or frustoconical side walls. The cradle's flexible positioning and the gravitational ejection mechanism work effectively with rigid capsule structures, demonstrating adaptability to different rigid capsule designs without requiring the capsules themselves to be flexible. The system adapts to the rigid capsule geometry through the cradle's guiding features rather than requiring capsule flexibility.
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 device simplifies the operation by allowing for automatic capsule insertion, sealing, and ejection, preventing capsule deformation under pressure, and ensuring efficient extraction of flavors from the capsule, enhancing the reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
said capsule, no longer being retained by said abutment, being capable of being evacuated downwards outside of said first grooves in said second intermediate position of distance
Implementation Method 2
the side wall of the cylindrical or frustoconical capsule with a circular section can deform under the effect of a thrust exerted radially and thus the cross section can become oval under the effect of a lateral external pressure
Implementation Method 3
the bottom as well as the capped part can deform by bulging (incurvation) under an increase in internal pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2A~2B'
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for preparing a drink by infusion of a powder contained in a capsule (4) having a side wall (4a), closed by a lid (4d) covering a collar (4c) comprising: - a first part (1) containing means for supplying liquid to and through perforations (4d1) of said cover, - a second part (2) containing means for discharging said liquid at the level of the bottom wall of the capsule, - means for moving in relative translation (6) coaxial with said first part (1) and second part (2) between a position of maximum separation and a position of maximum approach, and - a third part (3) pivotally mounted forming a capsule receptacle positioned between the first part and the second part. The front face of the second part (2) comprises a housing (2a) able to receive the side wall (4a) of the capsule, said third part comprises two first grooves (3a) opposite each other able to receive and guide in translation from bottom to top respectively two diametrically opposite sides of the flange of said capsule.