Beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The combination of an ejection mechanism and barcode reader in beverage preparation machines can lead to cleanliness issues and inconsistent operation due to soiling of the barcode reader by the cartridges after ejection.
Innovation Solution
A delivery head design with a barcode reader, inlet, and outlet arranged in a line, where the ejection mechanism moves the cartridge away from the barcode reader during ejection, preventing the open inlet and outlet from soiling the reader, and a clamping mechanism for secure cartridge alignment and ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an ejection mechanism and barcode reader are combined in the delivery head, then the machine can automatically eject cartridges and read barcodes for identification, but the barcode reader becomes soiled by the open inlet and outlet of cartridges during ejection, leading to inconsistent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the barcode reader window, inlet, and outlet in a linear arrangement where the outlet is intermediate between the inlet and barcode reader window. This spatial configuration in one dimension ensures that during cartridge ejection, the open inlet and outlet cannot reach the barcode reader window, thus preventing soiling while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protective barrier or shield structure that acts as an intermediary between the cartridge inlet/outlet and the barcode reader window. This mediator prevents direct contact between potentially soiling elements and the barcode reader, ensuring consistent operation while allowing both functions to coexist
2Volume of moving object
If the barcode reader is positioned close to the inlet and outlet for compact design, then the delivery head size is reduced, but the open inlet and outlet can easily soil the barcode reader during ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the barcode reader window, inlet, and outlet in a specific linear configuration where their relative positions in one dimension prevent soiling. This allows compact design without increasing the risk of contamination, as the spatial arrangement itself provides protection
3Reliability
If the ejection mechanism moves the cartridge through a path that clears the barcode reader, then the barcode reader remains clean, but the ejection path and mechanism become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejection path design with the overall linear arrangement of components. The cartridge is ejected along a path that naturally clears the barcode reader window due to the linear positioning of inlet, outlet, and barcode reader, integrating the cleaning function into the basic ejection motion without adding separate complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery head for a beverage preparation machine including: an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to a cartridge received in the delivery head; a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage; a barcode reader having a barcode reader window through which signals may be transmitted; wherein the inlet, the outlet and the barcode reader window are arranged in a line with the outlet being intermediate the inlet and the barcode reader window.