Brewing Unit Capsule Guidance to Reduce Insertion Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brewing units for beverages from pre-packaged capsules often subject capsules to excessive stress and manipulation during insertion, particularly due to the need for tilting and forced engagement with temporary retention members, which can deform non-rigid capsules.

Innovation Solution

A brewing unit with a double-component capsule guiding arrangement that gently guides capsules from the insertion aperture to an intermediate position, using a stationary first component and a pivotally mounted second component to orient the capsule parallel to the opening and closing direction, reducing stress and eliminating the need for forced engagement with temporary retention members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-component capsule guiding arrangement is used, then the device structure is simple, but the capsule is subjected to excessive stress and deformation during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule guiding arrangement structureVSAvoidcapsule stress and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule guiding arrangement is divided into two separate components: a first component that guides the capsule from the insertion aperture to an intermediate position, and a second component that engages the capsule rim. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function with minimal stress on the capsule, avoiding the need for forced engagement with a single complex retention member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If temporary retention members are used to hold the capsule in intermediate position, then the capsule can be retained during brewing chamber closing, but the capsule requires forced engagement causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule retention in intermediate positionVSAvoidcapsule deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first component of the capsule guiding arrangement performs the preliminary action of guiding the capsule to the intermediate position and orienting it parallel to the brewing chamber closing direction before the brewing chamber portions move together. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for forced engagement with temporary retention members during the closing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the capsule is tilted in intermediate position, then the capsule can be retained, but a tilting movement is required during insertion which complicates the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule retentionVSAvoidcapsule insertion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of tilting the capsule to retain it in the intermediate position, the invention inverts the approach by orienting the capsule parallel to the brewing chamber closing direction. The first component guides the capsule in this parallel orientation, eliminating the need for tilting movements and simplifying the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 allows for easier and gentler handling of capsules, including non-self-supporting soft pods, with reduced stress and deformation, facilitating smoother capsule positioning and sealing within the brewing chamber, enhancing the brewing process efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Capsules are introduced into the brewing unit by gravity through a capsule insertion aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3393312B1Brewing unit for a beverage producing machine and machine containing the brewing unit

Publication Date: 2020.02.12 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

The brewing unit (1) comprises a supporting structure (3) and a brewing chamber (7) supported by the supporting structure (3). The brewing chamber (7) comprises a first brewing chamber portion (9) and a second brewing chamber portion (11), movable one with respect to the other along an opening and closing direction (F) from an open position to a closed position and vice-versa. An actuation mechanism (15) is provided for closing and opening the brewing chamber (7). The brewing unit further comprises a capsule insertion aperture (5) and a capsule guiding arrangement (33) between the capsule insertion aperture (5) and a capsule intermediate position. The capsule guiding arrangement (33) comprises a first component (35), stationarily mounted on the supporting structure (3), and a second component (37), pivotally mounted on the stationary structure (3) around a pivoting axis (37A) approximately orthogonal the opening and closing direction (F). The first component (35) of the capsule guiding arrangement (33) is comprised of a first capsule contacting surface (39A), configured and arranged for engaging a top surface (Cs) of a capsule (C) which is introduced in the brewing unit (1). The second component (37) of the capsule guiding arrangement (33) is comprised of second capsule contacting surfaces (51A), configured and arranged for engaging a capsule rim (R) surrounding the capsule (C), on a rim surface opposite said top surface (Cs).