Beverage production system using capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage production machines face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable capsule discharge, particularly due to the use of flexible and resilient material bumps for friction, which are costly and complex to assemble.
Innovation Solution
The use of discrete hooks instead of bumps for engaging with the capsule rim, allowing for efficient and cost-effective capsule discharge by engaging and releasing the rim in a two-step process, reducing the force required for capsule removal and preventing horizontal ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete bumps of flexible and resilient material are used for friction on the capsule enclosure outer wall, then the capsule can be held during transport by the first engagement member, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, resilient material bumps with simple, inexpensive discrete hooks that can be easily manufactured and assembled. The hooks achieve the necessary holding function through their geometric shape rather than through friction from resilient material, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental mechanism from friction-based holding (using resilient material properties) to geometry-based engagement (using hook shape). This parameter change from material property dependence to geometric form dependence simplifies manufacturing and reduces cost while maintaining the holding function.
2Reliability
If discrete bumps of flexible and resilient material are used for friction on the capsule enclosure outer wall, then the capsule can be held during transport by the first engagement member, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete hooks are simple geometric elements that can be easily attached to the first engagement member, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures required for resilient material bumps. This significantly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the holding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is achieved through multiple discrete hooks positioned at different locations on the first engagement member, rather than through a continuous surface of resilient material. This segmentation simplifies both the individual components and their assembly process.
3Productivity
If force is applied to remove the capsule from the first engagement member, then the capsule can be discharged, but the capsule may be ejected horizontally blocking new capsule introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule discharge function is divided between multiple hooks positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the capsule to be released in a controlled manner, with each hook contributing to the overall discharge process, preventing uncontrolled horizontal ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooks are positioned asymmetrically on the first engagement member, with specific positioning designed to guide the capsule discharge path. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the capsule is discharged vertically into the collection bin rather than being ejected horizontally.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs and ensures reliable capsule discharge without compromising the capsule's vertical fall into a collection bin, enhancing the operational efficiency and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
These holding means are friction means that exerts a friction on the capsule enclosure outer wall when it is engaged in the first capsule engagement member
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the first engagement member is a combination of a linear movement and an end swivelling movement so that the capsule can fall by gravity from the first engagement member
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns beverage production system comprising a capsule (10) and a module (1) for producing a beverage from the capsule, the capsule (10) comprising an enclosure (10a) and a rim (10b), and the module (2) comprising a first capsule engagement member (3), which can be displaced relative to a second, co-operating capsule engagement member (2d) between a capsule discharge position and a beverage production position, and the displaceable first capsule engagement member (3) comprises holding means configured for holding the capsule within, the module comprising at least two means (7, 7a, 7b) for engaging the rim of the capsule extending beyond the first capsule engagement member when the first capsule engagement member (3) is displaced from the beverage production position to its capsule discharge position, and wherein the holding means are discrete hooks (341, 342) configured to engage with the rim (10b) of the capsule, and the retaining means are configured so that, during the displacement of the first capsule engagement member (3) from the beverage production position to its capsule discharge position, one (7b) of the two engaging means engages the rim of the capsule before the other engaging mean (7a).