Brewing apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brewing machines for capsule-based articles have complex structures with numerous components, making them less efficient and more difficult to operate.

Innovation Solution

A brewing apparatus with a simple structure featuring a capsule seat, control device, and drive mechanism that includes pivot units and slide pins to move the capsule seat between brewing and standby states, allowing for easy conversion and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional brewing machines use multiple separate components for capsule handling and brewing control, then the device can perform brewing functions, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capsule seat, drive mechanism, and control device into an integrated assembly where the control device directly actuates the capsule seat through a connecting rod. This merging of previously separate components (capsule holder, actuator, and control mechanism) into a unified structure reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device while maintaining brewing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If conventional brewing machines include separate drive mechanisms and control devices, then the brewing function can be achieved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrewing efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it directly controls the capsule seat movement, actuates the drive mechanism through the connecting rod, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing the overall component count while preserving brewing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional brewing machines use complex mechanisms for state conversion, then precise control is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidstate conversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting rod is pre-configured in the control device to directly link the control mechanism with the capsule seat. This preliminary arrangement of the mechanical linkage allows for immediate and direct actuation when the control device is operated, eliminating the need for complex intermediate steps or adjustments during state conversion, thus reducing operation time and simplifying user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 apparatus achieves a streamlined operation with fewer components, enhancing ease of use and stability by enabling smooth transition between brewing and standby states with a balanced and stable design.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one drive mechanism engages slidably the slide slot and is connected to the capsule seat. The control device is pivotable to drive slide movement of the at least one drive mechanism, thereby moving the capsule seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10702093B2Brewing apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.07.07 TSANN KUEN ZHANGZHOU ENTERPRISE CO LTD
  • US10702093B2 patent drawing
  • US10702093B2 patent drawing
  • US10702093B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A brewing apparatus is adapted for brewing articles contained in a capsule, and includes a capsule seat, a control device, and at least one drive mechanism. The capsule seat is adapted to receive the capsule therein. The control device has a slide slot. The at least one drive mechanism engages slidably the slide slot and is connected to the capsule seat. The control device is pivotable to drive slide movement of the at least one drive mechanism, thereby moving the capsule seat and converting the brewing apparatus between a brewing state and a standby state.