Brewing module and drinks preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing modules with manual closure mechanisms for extraction appliances, such as coffee machines, face challenges in providing consistent mechanical resistance, leading to unpleasant jolting sensations and potential damage due to variable force requirements during capsule piercing and ejection.
Innovation Solution
A brewing module with a non-constant damping device that adjusts resistance based on position and movement direction, utilizing a cam disc and housing with varying guide surfaces and an elastic damping element to manage the closure and opening movements, ensuring a smooth and haptically pleasing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual closure mechanism with constant lever ratios is used, then the structure remains simple, but the mechanical resistance becomes inconsistent causing jolting sensations and poor haptic feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the transmission ratio variable rather than constant. The cam mechanism allows the lever ratio to change dynamically during the closure movement, providing different mechanical advantages at different stages of the operation. This enables smooth acceleration and deceleration phases, eliminating jolting sensations while maintaining acceptable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transmission ratio from constant to variable. By designing the cam profile with specific geometric characteristics, the transmission ratio becomes a function of the closure position, allowing optimization of mechanical resistance throughout the movement range. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between operational smoothness and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If high closing force is applied to ensure proper capsule sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but the risk of damaging components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the system in advance through the cam mechanism's progressive force application. The variable transmission ratio pre-configures the force distribution, gradually increasing closing force to the required level while avoiding sudden force spikes. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable sealing while preventing component damage from excessive or abrupt forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing the cam profile to control the acceleration and deceleration phases of the closure movement. The mechanism inherently cushions the closing action by reducing speed near the end of the stroke, preventing impact damage while maintaining sufficient sealing force. This protective effect is built into the mechanism design before operation.
3Ease of operation
If a damping device is added to smooth the closure movement, then haptic quality improves, but the number of parts and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damping function with the existing cam mechanism. Instead of adding a separate damping device, the smooth closure effect is achieved through the cam profile's geometric design, which inherently controls acceleration and deceleration. This merging eliminates the need for additional damping parts while maintaining closure smoothness and improving haptic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the closing motion, controls the transmission ratio variation, and inherently damps the movement through its geometric profile. The mechanism is self-sufficient, generating the smoothing effect without requiring external damping components, thus avoiding increased part count while achieving the desired haptic quality.
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 solution prevents jolting sensations, enhances user experience, and extends the service life of the brewing module by providing targeted damping and varying resistance levels during the closure and opening procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device for damping the movement of the second brewing module part, wherein the damping device has a damping characteristic, which is non-constant, as a function of the position and/or movement direction
Data Source
AI summary
A brewing module for preparing a brewed drink from a portion capsule, includes a first brewing module part and a second brewing module part, which is movable relative to the housing between a first brewing module part position and a second brewing module part position, wherein a brewing chamber is formed in the second brewing module part position. Furthermore, an operating element is able to be brought manually from a first into a second operating element position, from which a movement is transmitted via a transmission mechanism into a movement of the second brewing module part. The brewing module further includes a damping device for damping the movement of the second brewing module part. This damping device is designed such that it has non-constant damping characteristics as a function of the position and/or as a function of the movement direction.