Beverage Pod Container With 180° Bidirectional Pivot Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensing machines from pods face challenges in ergonomic design, particularly in the opening and closing mechanisms, which hinder easy access and handling for both left- and right-handed users, and do not ensure precise operation during drink dispensing.

Innovation Solution

The beverage dispensing machine features an opening/closing device that pivots the receptacle 180° along a vertical axis, allowing clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, with an orientation system to reverse the opening direction, an assistance system for automatic opening, a locking/unlocking mechanism, and a detection system to ensure pod presence, along with force-absorbing means for stability and a needle support system to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the receptacle is designed with a fixed opening direction, then the machine structure is simple, but it is not ergonomic for both left-handed and right-handed users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic access for all usersVSAvoidopening/closing device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle is designed to be dynamically rotatable 180 degrees along a vertical axis, allowing it to switch between opening directions. This dynamic capability enables both left-handed and right-handed users to operate the machine ergonomically, while the rotation is constrained within a controlled range to maintain structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening/closing device incorporates asymmetric stop members positioned at different locations to define the closed position regardless of rotation direction. This asymmetric design allows the receptacle to be opened in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction while ensuring precise closing positioning, resolving the contradiction between ergonomic flexibility and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If the receptacle pivots 180 degrees along a vertical axis, then access to the receptacle is improved, but the closing position precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to receptacleVSAvoidclosing position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Stop members are incorporated into the opening/closing device to provide tactile and positional feedback when the receptacle reaches the closed position. These stops engage with complementary features on the receptacle to precisely define the closing position, ensuring accurate alignment regardless of whether the receptacle was opened clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the receptacle can be opened in either direction, then user flexibility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening direction flexibilityVSAvoidopening/closing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening/closing device is designed with universal stop members and a pivot mechanism that accommodate both clockwise and counter-clockwise opening directions. This multi-functional design allows the same mechanism to serve multiple purposes: enabling bidirectional opening for user flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through shared components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the receptacle is completely released at the front, then access for pod insertion is improved, but stability during operation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepod insertion accessVSAvoidreceptacle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3410901B1Beverage dispensing machine comprising a pod container that can pivot clockwise and Anti-clockwise through 180°

Publication Date: 2019.11.13 SEB SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a machine (1) for dispensing beverages from a pod (4), said machine comprising a frame (2) and a container (3) including a pod-receiving zone (33). In addition, an opening/closing device is provided between the frame and the container so as to pivot the container relative to a vertical axis between a closed beverage-dispensing position and an open position providing access to the pod-receiving zone. The opening/closing device is designed such that the container has a 180° angular stroke for moving from the closed position into the open position and vice versa, and such that the container can be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the user. This design provides an ergonomic machine suitable for all users, in which access to the container is facilitated for the insertion/removal of pods.