Beverage Machine Pivoting Cover for Space-Saving Capsule Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines require significant manual effort and space for covering and uncovering the capsule insertion passage, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when handling different capsule sizes and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a pivotable cover that moves between covering and uncovering positions, allowing for easy insertion and removal of capsules without the need for extensive free space, and is connected to the processing module via a motorized or manual actuator system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual telescoping front part or handle system is used to cover and uncover the capsule passage, then the passage can be effectively protected, but significant manual effort and space are required making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical covering systems (telescoping parts, handles, levers) with an automatic cover actuated by a spring mechanism. The spring-loaded cover automatically opens when a capsule is inserted and closes when the capsule is removed, eliminating the need for user manual effort while maintaining reliable passage protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system is designed to operate automatically based on capsule presence. The spring mechanism provides self-service functionality where the cover responds autonomously to capsule insertion and removal without requiring user intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining protection reliability.
2Reliability
If a manual telescoping front part or handle system is used to cover and uncover the capsule passage, then the passage can be effectively protected, but significant space is required making the machine bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces space-consuming manual covering mechanisms (telescoping front parts, external handles) with a compact spring-loaded cover integrated into the machine housing. This automatic cover system achieves the same protective function within a minimal space footprint, reducing the overall machine volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded cover is integrated within the existing machine housing structure, nesting the covering function within the available internal space rather than requiring external extensions. This allows the protective function to be achieved without increasing the machine's external dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of capsules is required, then user control is maintained, but the time needed for refilling and preparing beverages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded cover system provides self-service automation that responds instantly to capsule insertion and removal. This eliminates the time-consuming manual operations of telescoping parts or operating handles, significantly reducing the time needed for refilling and beverage preparation while maintaining full user control through simple capsule placement and removal actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded and ready to actuate the cover automatically when a capsule is inserted. This preliminary preparation of the actuating mechanism eliminates delays associated with manual operation, allowing immediate response to user actions and thereby increasing beverage preparation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for preparing a beverage from at least one ingredient (2) comprises: an ingredient processing module (3); an ingredient passage (4) having an ingredient mouth (41) for inserting along an insertion direction (42) an ingredient from outside such machine (1) into the ingredient processing module; and a cover (5) pivotable between a position covering the ingredient passage and a position uncovering the ingredient passage, The cover (5) is pivotable about a pivoting axis (51) that is generally parallel to the insertion direction (42) and/or that is generally perpendicular to the mouth (41) of the passage (4).