Capsule Identification Contact Assembly With Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humidity from the beverage preparation process can penetrate the resilient support member and affect the circuitry of beverage production machines, leading to incorrect identification of capsules after producing more than 2000 beverages.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a waterproof material layer between the resilient support member and the discrete conductive parts of the contact means, which are made of materials like silicone or laminates, to prevent humidity from reaching the circuitry and using displaceable probes to read the identification information on the capsule's surface structure, ensuring accurate operation of the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient support member is used to provide elasticity to the probe and insulate the circuitry, then the probe can return to a non-contact position and provide insulation, but humidity can penetrate the resilient support member after more than 2000 beverages, affecting the circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof material layer is introduced as an intermediary between the resilient support member and the discrete conductive parts. This intermediate layer specifically blocks humidity penetration while allowing the resilient support member to maintain its elasticity and insulation functions. The waterproof layer acts as a mediator that protects the circuitry from humidity without interfering with the probe's mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure becomes a composite system combining the resilient support member (providing elasticity) with a waterproof material layer (providing humidity barrier). This composite structure integrates two different material functions: the resilient member maintains probe positioning and electrical insulation, while the waterproof layer prevents humidity penetration to protect the circuitry.
2Ease of operation
If the resilient support member is made of silicone material to provide elasticity and insulation, then the probe can function properly, but humidity can still pass through after extended use
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct functional layers: the resilient support member (silicone) that provides probe elasticity and insulation, and a separate waterproof material layer that provides humidity resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function without compromising the other, solving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
3Productivity
If the machine produces more than 2000 beverages, then productivity is improved, but humidity accumulation affects the circuitry leading to wrong identification
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof material layer is installed in advance as a preventive measure before humidity penetration can occur. This preliminary protective action prevents humidity accumulation that would otherwise occur after producing more than 2000 beverages, thereby maintaining capsule identification accuracy throughout the production cycle.
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 effectively isolates the circuitry from humidity, allowing the machine to produce over 6000 beverages without issues, ensuring reliable identification and operation of the beverage production machine.
Implementation Method 1
the contact means comprises a waterproof material layer between the resilient support member and the discrete conductive parts
Implementation Method 2
at least one displaceable probe which mechanically contacts the capsule identification member
Implementation Method 3
the resilient support member can be an elastomeric, preferably silicone member
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention concerns a beverage production system comprising beverage ingredient containing capsules (1) comprising an identification member (6) and a beverage production machine for receiving said capsules, said machine comprising : - contact means (8) for physically contacting the capsule identification member (6) in order to read information thereof and - control means connected to the contact means and designed to control the operation of the beverage production machine (11) in response to the read information, the contact means (8) comprising : - at least one displaceable probe (81 ) which mechanically contacts the capsule identification member (6), - a resilient support member (82) in contact with the probe on one side and associated to a circuitry (9) on its other side, the parts of said resilient support member in contact with the probe presenting a shape able to be deformed, - discrete conductive parts (121) between the resilient support member (82) and the circuitry (9), wherein the contact means (8) comprises a waterproof material layer (12) between the resilient support member (82) and the discrete conductive parts (121).