Capsule Engagement Bell and Rim Tab for Reliable Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage production machines face issues with reliable capsule discharge, as the end swivelling movement is not sufficient to disengage the capsule from the engagement member, leading to potential blockages if the consumer does not immediately discharge the capsule, especially when the needle is non-retractable and protrudes continuously, preventing capsule ejection.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a displaceable first capsule engagement member with a hollow bell shape and retaining bumps made of flexible material to create friction with the capsule rim, ensuring secure engagement and discharge, along with a tab mechanism to engage the rim during the capsule's movement to the discharge position, combining linear and swivelling movements for effective capsule ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the needle is non-retractable and continuously protrudes in the first capsule engagement member, then the capsule can be reliably retained during beverage production, but the capsule cannot be discharged from the beverage production module
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule discharge mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the hollow bell member with retaining bumps for secure engagement during beverage production, and the separate tab mechanism that engages the capsule rim to enable discharge. This segmentation allows the needle to remain non-retractable while the tab provides the discharge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab acts as an intermediary element between the capsule and the discharge mechanism. It engages the rim of the capsule that extends beyond the first engagement member, providing a mechanical lever arm to facilitate capsule ejection without requiring needle retraction.
2Ease of operation
If the end swivelling movement is used to discharge the capsule, then the capsule can be discharged immediately after beverage preparation, but the capsule sticks to the engagement member when discharge is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is pre-positioned to engage the rim of the capsule that extends beyond the first engagement member. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the tab is actuated, it can immediately lever the capsule loose from the retaining bumps, preventing sticking even if discharge is delayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge mechanism transitions from a static swivelling movement to a dynamic tab-based lever action. The tab can be actuated at any time after beverage preparation, providing a reliable mechanical advantage to dislodge the capsule from the frictional engagement with the retaining bumps.
3Reliability
If the hollow bell member with retaining bumps is used to engage the capsule, then secure capsule retention is achieved, but the capsule discharge becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement and discharge functions are segmented into two separate mechanisms: the hollow bell member with retaining bumps for secure engagement, and the tab mechanism for reliable discharge. This allows each function to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bumps provide localized frictional engagement at specific discrete parts of the capsule enclosure, ensuring secure retention during beverage production. The tab provides localized mechanical leverage at the capsule rim to enable discharge, creating different local qualities for engagement and discharge.
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 ensures systematic and efficient capsule discharge, preventing blockages and ensuring smooth operation of the beverage production machine by maintaining frictional engagement and facilitating capsule ejection even when the consumer delays discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the displaceable first capsule engagement member comprises retaining means able to create friction with discrete parts of the outer shape of the enclosure of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
the capsule presenting an enclosure outer shape that is conformal to at least a portion of the hollow bell member
Implementation Method 3
the resulting beverage flows out of the capsule either through en outlet provided in the capsule or/and produced by the machine during the capsule engagement and falls by gravity in a cup
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a beverage production system comprising a capsule (1) and a module (2) for producing a beverage from the capsule, the capsule (1) comprising an enclosure (1a) and a rim (1b), and the module (2) comprising : a first capsule engagement member (3), which can be displaced relative to a second, co-operating capsule engagement member (4) between a capsule discharge position and a beverage production position, the displaceable first capsule engagement member (3) comprising member (13) having the shape of a hollow bell, and the capsule (1) presenting an enclosure outer shape that is conformal to at least a portion of the hollow bell shaped member (13) and the capsule presenting a rim (1b) size such that at least a part of the rim of the capsule extends beyond at least a part of the first capsule engagement member (3) once it is engaged in the first capsule engagement member, wherein the displaceable first capsule engagement member (3) comprises retaining means able to create friction with discrete parts of the outer shape of the enclosure (1a) of the capsule, and wherein the module (2) comprises means for engaging the rim (1b) of the capsule extending beyond the first capsule engagement member when the first capsule engagement member (3) is displaced from the beverage production position to its opened capsule-insertion position.