Brewing Assembly With Oscillating Chamber for Capsule Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing assemblies for vending machines are not optimized for efficient brewing and capsule handling, leading to suboptimal performance in producing brewed beverages.
Innovation Solution
The brewing assembly features a truncated-cone-shaped brewing chamber with a sealing piston and piercing device that oscillates to pierce and seal the capsule, combined with a cam system for controlled capsule ejection and unloading, ensuring fluid-tight sealing and efficient brewing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing piston with fixed second axis is used to seal the brewing chamber, then fluid-tight sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment and sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing assembly is divided into functionally independent components: a sealing piston for fluid-tight sealing, a piercing device for capsule penetration, and unloading means for capsule ejection. Each component operates independently with its own actuation mechanism, allowing the sealing function to be optimized without compromising other functions while managing overall system complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If first and second unloading means are used to expel and unload the capsule, then capsule handling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule ejection process is segmented into two distinct stages performed by separate mechanisms: first unloading means that moves along the brewing chamber axis to expel the capsule, and second unloading means that moves crosswise to engage and unload the expelled capsule. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Both unloading means are designed as movable components with independent actuation, allowing dynamic adaptation to different capsule positions and sizes. The first unloading means translates along the brewing chamber axis, while the second unloading means moves crosswise, providing flexible and efficient capsule handling through dynamic motion rather than fixed mechanical ejection.
3Manufacturing precision
If the brewing assembly is optimized for sealed capsules with specific geometry, then brewing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different capsule types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing assembly is designed with multi-functional components that can accommodate different capsule types while maintaining brewing precision. The piercing device with adjustable piercing means, the sealing piston with adaptable sealing surface, and the unloading means with flexible engagement mechanisms all contribute to universal functionality, allowing the same brewing assembly to handle various capsule geometries and types effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the brewing process by ensuring precise sealing, efficient water pressure application, and controlled capsule handling, resulting in improved beverage production and capsule management within vending machines.
Implementation Method 1
first piercing means located inside the brewing chamber to pierce the bottom of the capsule; second piercing means fitted to the sealing piston to pierce a sealing wall of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
a sealing piston having a second axis, the sealing piston being mounted to move along the second axis to and from a sealing position fluidtight sealing the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 3
first unloading means movable along the brewing chamber and the first axis to at least partly expel the capsule from the brewing chamber; second unloading means movable with respect to the brewing chamber and crosswise to the first axis to engage and unload the at least partly expelled capsule to the outside
Implementation Method 4
first and second conduit means for feeding pressurized water to the brewing chamber and receiving a brewed beverage from the brewing chamber respectively
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A brewing assembly (1; 62; 77), which has a brewing chamber (22) having a first axis (11) and for receiving a sealed capsule (2) of brewing material; a sealing piston (34; 63) mounted to move along a second axis (35) to and from a sealing position sealing the brewing chamber (22); a first unloading device (28) movable along the brewing chamber (22) to at least partly expel the capsule (2) from the brewing chamber (22); a second unloading device (59) movable with respect to the brewing chamber (22) to engage the at least partly expelled capsule (2) and unload it to the outside; and a brewing body (9), which defines the brewing chamber (22), supports the first unloading device (28), and is mounted to oscillate, about a third axis (10) perpendicular to the first and second axis (11, 35), between a first position, in which the first and second axis (11, 35) coincide, and a second position, in which the first and second axis (11, 35) extend on opposite sides of the second unloading device (59).