Beverage Machine Actuation Distributor for Multi-Function Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines face challenges in integrating and coordinating various functions that require actuation at different points in time, such as ingredient management, processing, and dispensing, often relying on manual effort or complex motorization systems.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with an actuation arrangement using a single motor-driven actuation distributor to operate multiple actuation output devices in distinct manners and at different times, allowing for the coordinated movement of machine parts such as the beverage dispensing head, ingredient barrier, and drop stop, enabling efficient preparation and dispensing of beverages from capsules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuators are used to control different machine parts, then each function can be actuated independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different machine parts through a distributed actuation system. The actuator connects to multiple output devices (capsule holder, brewing device, dispensing head) and can actuate them in different sequences, allowing one component to replace multiple separate actuators while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is segmented into multiple output devices connected to a single actuator through different mechanical linkages. Each output device can be actuated independently by the same actuator at different times, allowing functional independence while reducing the total number of actuators
2Device complexity
If manual effort is used to open and close the brewing device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single actuator to automatically perform multiple functions including opening/closing the brewing device, positioning the dispensing head, and controlling the ingredient barrier. The actuator executes pre-programmed sequences that automate operations previously requiring manual user actions, making the system serve itself without continuous human intervention
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls multiple functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of controlling different actuation phases may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator operates in periodic cycles, executing different functions at different times within each cycle. The control system manages the timing and sequence of actuation for each output device, ensuring that capsule holder positioning, brewing device operation, and dispensing head movement occur in the correct chronological order with precise timing intervals
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage has an actuation arrangement (5) that includes an actuator (57) and an actuation transmission (50,510,520,530) actuated by the actuator (57). The actuation transmission (50,510,520,530) has an actuation distributor (50) actuated by the actuator (57) and a first actuation output device (510) having a first input port (511) and a second actuation output device (520) having a second input port (521). The actuation distributor (50) has a first output port (50′) for operating the first actuation output device (510) via the first input port (511) and a second output port (50″) for operating the second actuation output device (520) via the second input port (521). The first actuation output device (510) and the second actuation output device (520) are displaced in a non-identical manner via the first and second output ports (50′,50″).