Capsule Coffee Brewing Assembly for Compact Automatic Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule coffee machines with automatic capsule-dropping functions have complex structures and occupy large space, making them inconvenient and prone to damage due to user variability in operation.
Innovation Solution
A capsule coffee machine with a simple and compact design featuring rotating members and detent members that allow for automatic capsule dropping, utilizing a three-step process of 'opening', 'closing', and 'opening' to facilitate capsule insertion, brewing, and automatic ejection, with a resilient member for easy capsule release and a driving assembly for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a capsule coffee machine is provided with automatic capsule-dropping function using left slider and right slider, then the capsule can be dropped automatically, but the structure becomes complex and the occupying space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing assembly is divided into multiple components including brewing head, rotating members, and detent members, allowing independent movement and function of each segment. This segmentation enables automatic capsule dropping through coordinated movement of discrete parts rather than a complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using sliders that move outward to release the capsule, this invention uses rotating members with detent members that rotate inward to hold the capsule and outward to release it. This inverted approach simplifies the structure by using rotation rather than linear sliding motion.
2Ease of operation
If left slider and right slider move towards the two sides during operation, then the capsule can be released, but the sliders protrude from the body resulting in large occupying space
Solution Approach 1:
The detent members are designed to rotate dynamically between held and released positions rather than remaining stationary or protruding. This dynamic rotation allows the capsule release function to be achieved within a compact space without permanent protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating members and detent members are positioned within the brewing assembly boundaries, with the detent members nesting within the brewing head structure when in the holding position. This nesting eliminates protrusions and reduces the overall occupying space while maintaining the release function.
3Device complexity
If manual removal of brewed capsule is required, then the structure can be simple, but the machine gets broken easily due to user variability
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing assembly automatically performs the capsule release function through its own mechanical movement. When the brewing assembly moves away from the brewing seat, the detent members automatically rotate outward and the capsule drops, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and preventing damage from improper handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for capsule release in advance by positioning the detent members and brewing assembly for automatic ejection. This preliminary preparation ensures that the capsule is released automatically at the appropriate moment without requiring user action, improving reliability.
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 machine achieves automatic capsule dropping with a reduced and simplified structure, occupying less space, and is user-friendly, capable of handling capsules of different shapes, ensuring convenient operation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member for easy capsule release
Implementation Method 2
the coffee capsule having been brewed will drop from an interval between the brewing seat and the brewing assembly as the interval increases
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule coffee machine includes a brewing seat and a brewing assembly. Rotating members are connected to the brewing assembly in a rotatable manner. Two detent members are hinged to the brewing seat and connected to a limit structure of a corresponding rotating member. When the brewing assembly and brewing seat move apart, each detent member is rotated inwardly by a corresponding rotating member so that a coffee capsule can be held between the detent members. When the brewing seat and assembly move towards each other, each detent member rotates outwardly to release the capsule into a making cavity of the brewing assembly. When the brewing assembly and seat are again moved apart, the coffee capsule having been brewed, drops from an interval between the brewing seat and brewing assembly and the detent members rotate back to their original position.