Beverage Capsule Injection Chamber with Rotational Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation devices require manual positioning of beverage substrate capsules in a fixed injection chamber, which can be cumbersome and lacks secure locking mechanisms, especially when transitioning between open and closed states.

Innovation Solution

A beverage preparation device with a movable first injection chamber part that allows the capsule to be positioned at a distance from a stationary chamber, featuring a locking mechanism that uses rotational actuating means to convert rotational movement into translational adjustment, ensuring secure closure and easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning of capsule in fixed injection chamber is used, then device structure is simple, but ease of operation deteriorates and alignment precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of capsule positioningVSAvoidinjection chamber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first injection chamber part is made movable relative to the second injection chamber part along an adjustment axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the chamber volume and capsule positioning. This movable design enables the chamber to adapt to different capsule positions automatically, improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If movable injection chamber part is used to allow distant capsule positioning, then ease of operation improves, but locking reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of capsule positioningVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locking mechanism with actuating means is introduced as an intermediary between the movable first injection chamber part and the stationary second injection chamber part. This locking mechanism ensures reliable connection when the chamber is closed, preventing accidental opening during operation while maintaining the benefits of the movable chamber design for easy capsule positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If complex lever mechanism is used for chamber closure, then locking reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidclosure mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex lever mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified locking mechanism that directly engages between the first and second injection chamber parts. This extracted design maintains the essential locking function while removing unnecessary mechanical complexity, achieving reliable closure with a simpler overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If actuating means converts rotational movement to translational adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of chamber adjustmentVSAvoidactuating means mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating means utilizes a cam mechanism with curved surfaces that convert rotational movement of the actuator into translational adjustment of the first injection chamber part. This curved surface design provides mechanical advantage and smooth motion conversion, improving ease of operation while keeping the mechanism compact and relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3143912B1Beverage preparation device and method of operation
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 EUGSTER FRISMAG AG
  • EP3143912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3143912B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3143912B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1) for producing beverages from beverage substrate capsules (3), in particular coffee capsules, with an injection unit (2) for dissolving and/or leaching out beverage substrate stored in a beverage substrate capsule (3), and with water supply means for supplying the injection unit (2) with water, the injection unit (2) having an injection chamber (4) for accommodating the beverage substrate capsule (3), comprising a first injection chamber part (6) which can be translated relative to a preferably stationary second injection chamber part (7) for opening and Closing the injection chamber (4) along an adjustment axis (V) is adjustable.