Capsule coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drop-in capsule coffee machines are inconvenient, slow, and prone to coffee waste due to manual operation and overflow issues during coffee extraction.
Innovation Solution
A capsule coffee machine with a base, capsule channel, gate, optics lens, guiding unit, drip container, water injection unit, and actuator that automatically extracts coffee by reading a QR code on the capsule membrane to control the brewing process, fastening the capsule, and ejecting the used capsule, minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for gate opening and capsule positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic capsule positioning and gate operation. The guiding unit automatically guides the capsule to the correct position, and the actuator automatically opens/closes the gate based on detection signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems. The actuator replaces manual gate operation, the guiding unit replaces manual capsule positioning, and the optics lens replaces visual inspection, creating an automated control system that improves ease of operation
2Productivity
If manual gate operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to slow operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automatic capsule positioning and gate operation. The guiding unit automatically guides the capsule to the correct position, and the actuator automatically opens/closes the gate based on detection signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The optics lens performs preliminary detection of the capsule's presence and position before the gate operation is initiated. This preliminary action ensures that the gate is operated at the optimal moment, streamlining the overall process and improving productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems. The actuator replaces manual gate operation, the guiding unit replaces manual capsule positioning, and the optics lens replaces visual inspection, creating an automated control system that improves ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The optics lens provides feedback on capsule position and presence to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures precise positioning by continuously monitoring and adjusting the capsule's location, guaranteeing accurate alignment with the brewing chamber
4Loss of substance
If conventional drip container design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases due to coffee overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The drip container is designed with an inclined bottom surface that creates a directional flow path for coffee. This dimensional change in the container geometry directs overflow coffee toward the collecting groove, preventing waste without adding complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The collecting groove acts as an intermediary structure that intercepts and collects coffee before it can be wasted. By positioning the groove at the lowest point of the inclined container, the system captures overflow coffee and redirects it to the brewing chamber, eliminating loss without requiring active control mechanisms
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 operates conveniently and quickly, preventing coffee waste by automating the coffee extraction process and ensuring precise control over brewing parameters.
Implementation Method 1
An inside of the capsule channel is equipped with the optics lens. The optics lens is aligned with the capsule membrane in the capsule channel for capturing the two-dimensional code on the capsule membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule coffee machine includes a base, a capsule channel formed at a top surface of the base, a gate, an optics lens, a guiding unit, a drip container, a collecting groove, a water injection unit connected with the guiding unit, a driving unit connected with the guiding unit, and an actuator. A bottom of the capsule channel is equipped with the gate. An inside of the capsule channel is equipped with the optics lens. The guiding unit is disposed under the gate and accommodated in the base. The drip container is connected with the guiding unit. The drip container has a mouth, a stopping wall opposite to the mouth, and a peripheral wall extended between the mouth and the stopping wall. The collecting groove is recessed towards a downward direction and in the peripheral wall of the drip container. The actuator is connected with the gate.