Brewing Module Cam Disk Design for Compact Axial Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing modules for extraction devices, such as coffee machines, are often bulky and complex due to the axial movement of brewing chamber parts, limiting design freedom and increasing manufacturing costs and potential reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A brewing module design featuring a cam disk with a spirally running guide surface, where the first brewing module part is displaced by the guide surface, allowing for a self-closing mechanism that reduces the need for active counteracting forces and enhances sealing during the brewing process, with both parts moving linearly along a common axis without pivoting, thus maintaining orientation and enabling a more compact and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the brewing module uses a single movable brewing chamber part relative to a stationary housing, then the structure is simpler, but the axial dimension increases and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing chamber is divided into two separate parts (first brewing chamber part and second brewing chamber part) that can move independently relative to the housing. This segmentation allows the axial dimension to be reduced while maintaining the brewing chamber volume, as the two parts close around the capsule from opposite directions rather than one part moving the full distance.
2Shape
If the brewing module parts move along a common axis without pivoting, then the orientation is maintained and structure is compact, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cam disk with a spirally running guide surface is introduced as an intermediary mechanism. The guide surface on the cam disk controls the linear movement of both brewing chamber parts along the common axis without requiring them to pivot. This intermediary component simplifies the overall mechanism by providing a straightforward cam-follower arrangement that maintains orientation while enabling compact linear motion.
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
The design results in a more compact and reliable brewing module with increased design freedom, improved sealing during the brewing process, and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional moving parts, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism has a cam disk (15) which is rotatably mounted on the housing (2) and has a spirally running guide surface (16), with the first brewing module part (11) being displaceable by the guide surface (16) along a displacement path (21) fixed to the housing (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, a brewing module (1) for an extraction appliance, for example a coffee machine, for preparing a beverage or other product in portion form from a soluble product or extraction substance packaged in a portion pack (10) has a housing (2) and a first brewing-module part, which can be moved relative to the housing by a mechanism, and a second brewing-module part. The first and the second brewing-module parts form an injector for introducing an extraction liquid into the portion pack and a discharging device for discharging an extraction product out of the portion pack. The second brewing-module part can be moved relative to the housing (2) in a direction counter to the movement direction of the first brewing-module part. The brewing module may have a cam disc with a helical guide groove, which engages with a guide element at least of the one brewing-module part such that rotation of the cam disc causes said brewing-module part to move axially. The arrangement of the guide element relative to the guide groove may be such that the guide element secures itself in the guide groove as pressure builds up in the interior of the brewing chamber. It is also possible for a piercing tip for example of the injector to be displaceable relative to the housing of the latter in the direction of the interior of the brewing chamber when the latter is being closed.