Beverage Capsule Receptacle with Spring Positioning to Prevent Tilting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation devices with open injection chambers face issues such as incorrect capsule insertion and tilting during adjustment, leading to operational problems and limited constructive and functional possibilities, as the loading and injection positions are not distinct, causing potential blockages and misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A beverage preparation device with a first injection chamber part that is adjustable relative to a second, stationary part, featuring elastic positioning means that apply force or form-fitting mechanisms to securely position the beverage substrate capsule, ensuring it aligns correctly with both injection chamber parts and prevents tilting during adjustment, allowing for a clear separation between loading and injection positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the loading position and injection position are combined in the same location, then the device structure is simplified, but the capsule may tilt or slip during adjustment causing operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcapsule alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The injection chamber is divided into two distinct parts: a first injection chamber part that moves between loading and injection positions, and a second stationary injection chamber part. This segmentation allows the capsule to be loaded in one position and then securely positioned in another, preventing tilting and slipping while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule is preliminarily positioned and secured in the first injection chamber part at the loading position before the actual injection occurs. The positioning means are pre-configured to hold the capsule firmly, ensuring correct alignment is established before the chamber closes for beverage production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If positioning means are added to prevent capsule tilting, then capsule alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule alignmentVSAvoidpositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning means are integrated into the first injection chamber part, merging the positioning function with the chamber structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate, complex positioning mechanisms while ensuring the capsule is held firmly and correctly aligned during the adjustment movement from loading to injection position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design ensures trouble-free operation by maintaining the beverage substrate capsule's alignment and preventing slipping or tilting, enabling precise positioning and secure holding of the capsule, thus ensuring reliable beverage production without the risk of capsule misalignment or ejection issues.

Implementation Method 1

the positioning means, designed as spring means or comprising spring means, are designed and arranged in such a way that they can be activated by inserting a beverage substrate capsule into the beverage capsule receptacle can be stretched elastically in the loading position and the beverage substrate capsule, in particular until the end position is reached, for hold firmly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3141163B1Beverage preparation device, system and method
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 EUGSTER FRISMAG AG
  • EP3141163B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141163B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3141163B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1) for producing beverages from beverage substrate capsules (3). According to the invention, the first injection chamber part (4) has a beverage capsule receptacle (7) with which it can be adjusted between a loading position and an end position, and that the beverage capsule receptacle (7) can be adjusted together with the first injection chamber part (4), preferably as a Positioning means (8) designed as spring means or comprising spring means, preferably designed as force application means and/or positive locking means, are assigned for the defined positioning of a beverage substrate capsule (3) accommodated in the beverage capsule receptacle (7) during the adjustment movement of the first injection chamber part (4) in the direction of the end position.