Beverage Capsule Extraction Apparatus with Under-Pressure Drop Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brewing machines face issues with complex capsule ejection mechanisms, risk of capsules getting stuck, residual water or beverage drops, and the need for frequent cleaning due to dripping liquid during capsule replacement.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a capsule disengaging mechanism that uses a clasp to lift and disengage the capsule from the holder, combined with a pump system that creates under-pressure to draw back liquid drops, preventing dripping during capsule removal, and a sealing mechanism to maintain cleanliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional piercing means are used to pierce through capsules, then beverage extraction is achieved, but capsule ejection becomes complex and capsules may get stuck in the holder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule removal reliabilityVSAvoidcapsule ejection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the capsule ejection function from complex mechanical ejection mechanisms and implements it through a simple lifting motion of the injector head. The clasp on the injector head engages with the capsule rim and lifts the capsule out of the holder during the opening stroke, eliminating the need for separate ejection mechanisms and reducing device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule ejection is achieved through the natural lifting motion of the injector head during opening, without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The clasp automatically engages the capsule rim and utilizes the injector head's own movement to eject the capsule, making the system self-sufficient and simpler.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If conventional capsule holders are used, then capsules are securely held during brewing, but residual liquid drips when the holder is opened or new capsule is inserted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness during operationVSAvoidliquid dripping

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the pump to create under-pressure and draw back residual liquid drops from the capsule holder and extraction outlet before the capsule holder is opened or before a new capsule is inserted. This prevents liquid dripping in advance, maintaining cleanliness during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by sensing the presence of residual liquid and activating the pump to remove drops before opening occurs. The control system monitors the brewing cycle and triggers the pump operation at the appropriate moment to eliminate dripping hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If collection containers are added under outlet and injector head, then dripping liquid is collected, but cleaning frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid drop collectionVSAvoidcleaning maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of residual liquid drops into a beneficial outcome by using the pump to actively draw back the drops. Instead of passively collecting drops in containers that require cleaning, the system actively removes the liquid source, preventing dripping without requiring additional collection containers or increasing cleaning frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Facilitates easy and clean capsule removal, reduces the risk of dripping, and maintains machine cleanliness by effectively managing liquid flow and capsule ejection, enhancing user convenience and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a pump system that creates under-pressure to draw back liquid drops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUnder-pressure: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

injection of a pressurized liquid into a capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized injection: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3349621B1Apparatus for producing a beverage from a capsule

Publication Date: 2019.06.26 MOCOFFEE EURO UNIPESSOAL LDA

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2e

AI summary

An apparatus for preparing a beverage from capsules, including a liquid supply system (12) comprising a water reservoir (14) and a pump (16), an extraction block (8) comprising an injection block (9) including an injector head (28) and a housing (40), and an extraction mechanism (6) comprising a capsule holder (10) configured to receive a capsule. The injector head comprises an injection plate (27) having plurality of inlet injectors (34) with internal liquid channels (37) configured to pierce through a lid (30) of a capsule (26). The injector head comprises a water inlet (42) connected to the water reservoir (14) and an actuating mechanism (5) configured to displace the injector head between an open position whereby the capsule can be inserted or removed from the extraction block to a closed position whereby the injector head is sealingly closed against the capsule holder.