Beverage Machine Slidable Cover for Space-Saving Capsule Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines require significant manual effort and space to open and close the capsule insertion passage, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when dealing with different capsule sizes and temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A beverage preparation machine with a manually slidable cover that moves between covering and uncovering positions, allowing for easy access to the capsule insertion area without the need for significant free space, and featuring an automatic return device for stable positioning, which also acts as an electronic switch to control the machine's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual handle system is used to open and close the brewing device, then the device can be operated without motorization, but significant manual effort is required and the operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and closing brewing deviceVSAvoidmanual effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical handle system with an electronic motorized actuation system. The motorized movable part automatically opens and closes the brewing device, eliminating the need for manual handling forces and making the operation effortless for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The brewing device performs the opening and closing action automatically through its motorized system, serving itself without requiring user intervention. The device handles its own access control and mechanical operation, freeing the user from manual effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If a motorized actuation system is used, then the operation is automated and effortless, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of brewing device operationVSAvoidcomplexity of actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized movable part serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation mechanism for opening/closing the brewing device and as the cover for the ingredient passage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the actuation mechanism and the passage cover into a single integrated motorized movable part. By merging these functions, the design avoids adding separate complex subsystems, keeping the overall device complexity manageable while achieving full automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the front part telescopes out to uncover the passage, then access is provided, but significant free space is required outside the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to capsule insertion passageVSAvoidfree space required outside housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of telescoping the front part outward in a linear direction requiring external space, the patent makes the movable part rotate about a vertical axis. This rotational movement repositions the cover within the housing footprint, providing access to the passage without requiring significant free space outside the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than extending the cover outward to uncover the passage, the invention rotates the cover about a vertical axis to swing it open. This inverted approach to achieving access eliminates the need for external telescoping space while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If a pivotable handle is used to cover and uncover the passage, then the passage can be accessed, but the handle requires significant space to pivot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to ingredient passageVSAvoidspace required for handle movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the movement dimension of the cover from linear pivoting (which requires external space) to rotation about a vertical axis. This rotational movement occurs within the housing boundaries, significantly reducing the volume of space required for the moving part while maintaining access functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9833105B2Beverage machine with a cover for an ingredient inlet

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

A machine (1) for preparing a beverage from at least one ingredient (2) comprises: an ingredient processing module (30); an ingredient passage (40) for inserting an ingredient from outside such machine into the ingredient processing module; and a cover (10) forming a user-handle that is manually movable between a position covering the ingredient passage and a position uncovering the ingredient passage. The cover (10) is manually slidable, in particular translationally slidable, from the covering to the uncovering positions and/or vice versa.