Brewing Chamber Capsule Ejection by Deformable Periphery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production devices, such as espresso machines, have complex kinematic assemblies that complicate the interaction between packaging and infusion chambers during introduction, infusion, and ejection, necessitating a simpler mechanism for packaging extraction and ejection.
Innovation Solution
A device and method where the packaging is extracted by deforming its periphery, allowing a single translational movement to perform the necessary operations, with the movable part of the infusion chamber pushing the packaging to overcome stop means and facilitate ejection by gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable stopper system is used to hold and eject the packaging, then the packaging can be retained and ejected, but the mechanical complexity increases due to multiple moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is extracted from the system entirely. Instead of using a retractable stopper to hold and eject the packaging, the invention uses the deformable periphery of the packaging itself to interact with fixed stop means, eliminating the need for a moving stopper component.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging's deformable periphery serves dual functions: it enables the packaging to be held by fixed stop means during infusion, and then allows the packaging to push against the stop means during ejection. The packaging essentially serves itself by using its own deformability to both be retained and to eject.
2Ease of operation
If a double movement system is used to move the capsule downwards, then the capsule can be extracted, but the system complexity increases and requires very specific capsule shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection function is segmented from the infusion function. The packaging's periphery is divided into a deformable portion that interacts with the stop means during ejection, while the rest of the packaging remains rigid to maintain its shape during infusion. This segmentation allows a single translational movement to perform both infusion and ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the packaging periphery changes from rigid during infusion to deformable during ejection. This parameter change allows the same packaging to interact differently with the stop means at different stages of the process, enabling a single movement system to perform multiple functions.
3Device complexity
If the packaging periphery is made deformable to enable extraction from stop means, then the ejection is simplified, but the packaging structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Only the periphery of the packaging is made deformable, while the rest of the packaging maintains its rigid structure. This local quality change allows the packaging to interact with the stop means during ejection without compromising the overall structural integrity needed for infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging periphery has asymmetric properties: it is rigid in most areas to maintain shape during infusion, but deformable in specific regions to enable interaction with the stop means during ejection. This asymmetry allows the packaging to serve multiple functions with a single structure.
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 solution simplifies the packaging interaction and ejection process, reducing mechanical complexity and ensuring reliable ejection without mechanical components that require specific capsule shapes or complex movements.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation caused by the mobility of the movable part of the infusion chamber is an elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
ejection by gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and process for brewing drinks. The device comprises a brewing chamber capable of accommodating a package containing products to be brewed, said chamber comprising two parts configured so as to be moved towards or away from each other to close or open, respectively, the brewing chamber, and package arresting means capable of applying themselves around the perimeter of the package once introduced into the brewing chamber. According to the invention, the device is such that one of the parts of the brewing chamber is mobile, allowing it to move the package past the arresting means by deforming the perimeter of the package. Applicable to espresso type coffee machines.