Beverage production system using capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage production machines with capsule engagement systems face high manufacturing costs due to the use of flexible and resilient materials for friction bumps, which are necessary for reliable capsule discharge but costly to produce and assemble.
Innovation Solution
The use of discrete hooks as holding means on the capsule engagement member to retain the capsule rim, allowing for efficient capsule discharge with reduced manufacturing costs by molding the hooks from the same plastic material as the engagement member, enabling two-step engagement and disengagement for easy capsule removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction bumps made of flexible and resilient material are used on the first capsule engagement member, then reliable capsule discharge is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to the need for special materials and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the holding means (hooks) from the same plastic material as the first capsule engagement member, eliminating the need for separate materials and assembly steps. This single-material approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the functional requirement of reliable capsule discharge through the geometric design of the hooks rather than material properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete hooks are used as holding means instead of friction bumps, then manufacturing cost is reduced by using the same plastic material, but capsule holding capability must be maintained through geometric design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the holding means from material-based friction (flexible and resilient material) to geometry-based mechanical engagement (discrete hooks with specific shapes). The hooks are designed with dimensions and configurations that enable them to engage with the capsule rim effectively, achieving reliable capsule holding and discharge through geometric parameters rather than material properties.
3Reliability
If the first capsule engagement member is actively retracted to an offset discharge position, then capsule discharge is improved without beverage contact, but the capsule must be reliably retained during the displacement movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capsule retention function into discrete hooks positioned at specific locations on the first capsule engagement member. These hooks engage with the capsule rim at defined points, providing reliable retention during the active retraction and offset discharge movement. The segmented approach simplifies the overall retention mechanism compared to a continuous friction-based system.
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 reduces production costs while ensuring reliable capsule discharge without increasing the risk of capsule ejection horizontally, allowing for easy replacement and maintaining efficient beverage production.
Implementation Method 1
These holding means are friction means that exerts a friction on the capsule enclosure outer wall when it is engaged in the first capsule engagement member
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the first engagement member is a combination of a linear movement and an end swivelling movement so that the capsule can fall by gravity from the first engagement member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The invention concerns beverage production system comprising a capsule (10) and a module (1) for producing a beverage from the capsule, the capsule (10) comprising an enclosure (10a) and a rim (10b), and the module (2) comprising a first capsule engagement member (3), which can be displaced relative to a second, co-operating capsule engagement member (2d) between a capsule discharge position and a beverage production position, and the displaceable first capsule engagement member (3) comprises holding means configured for holding the capsule within, the module comprising at least two means (7, 7a, 7b) for engaging the rim 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 capsule discharge position, and wherein the holding means are discrete hooks (341, 342) configured to engage with the rim (10b) of the capsule, and the retaining means are configured so that, during the displacement of the first capsule engagement member (3) from the beverage production position to its capsule discharge position, one (7b) of the two engaging means engages the rim of the capsule before the other engaging mean (7a).