Capsule Delivery Assembly With Articulated Ejector for Compact Ejection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines with capsule delivery assemblies face increased dimensions due to the need for a movable oscillating reaction member, which occupies space and complicates the design, making them less compact and more cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A delivery assembly with a stationary reaction element and an ejector mechanism featuring articulated parts that allow angular displacement, eliminating the need for oscillation and reducing overall dimensions by using a fixed reaction element associated with the support structure, enabling efficient capsule ejection without interfering with new capsule insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable oscillating reaction member is used to enable capsule ejection, then capsule ejection reliability is improved, but the delivery assembly dimensions increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule ejection reliabilityVSAvoiddelivery assembly dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the ejector member stationary and the capsule-holder movable. The ejector member is fixed to the support structure with its front end projecting into the capsule-holder's chamber, while the capsule-holder moves relative to the stationary ejector. This inversion eliminates the need for oscillating reaction members and reduces assembly dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the ejection function directly into the stationary support structure by fixing the ejector member to it. The ejector member's rear end is integrated with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate oscillating reaction members. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a movable oscillating reaction member is used to enable capsule ejection, then capsule ejection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule ejection reliabilityVSAvoiddelivery assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the ejector member stationary and the capsule-holder movable. The ejector member is fixed to the support structure with its front end projecting into the capsule-holder's chamber, while the capsule-holder moves relative to the stationary ejector. This inversion eliminates the need for oscillating reaction members and reduces assembly dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the ejection function directly into the stationary support structure by fixing the ejector member to it. The ejector member's rear end is integrated with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate oscillating reaction members. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a movable oscillating reaction member is used to enable capsule ejection, then capsule ejection reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule ejection reliabilityVSAvoiddelivery assembly manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ejection function directly into the stationary support structure by fixing the ejector member to it. The ejector member's rear end is integrated with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate oscillating reaction members. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the ejector member stationary and the capsule-holder movable. The ejector member is fixed to the support structure with its front end projecting into the capsule-holder's chamber, while the capsule-holder moves relative to the stationary ejector. This inversion eliminates the need for oscillating reaction members and reduces assembly dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2858538B1A delivery assembly for machines for preparing beverages via capsules

Publication Date: 2016.04.20 LUIGI LAVAZZA SPA

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AI summary

A delivery assembly for a machine for preparing beverages via capsules (10) comprises: - a support structure (2) bearing an injector device (40) for introducing a fluid into a capsule (10); - a capsule-holder (50), mounted movable in the support structure (2); - guide means (52-54, 32-34) designed to enable the capsule-holder (50) to displace between a position distanced from the injector device (40) and a position approached to the injector device (40); - an actuation kinematic arrangement (3-7), which can be operated for causing displacements of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position; and - a longitudinally extended ejector member (70), mounted movable on the capsule-holder (50) and designed to eject the capsule (10) on the outside of the capsule-holder (50) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) from the approached position to the distanced position. The ejector member (70) comprises a plurality of parts (74, 75) connected in an articulated way, amongst which at least one first part (74) and one second part (75) articulated in such a way that the second part (75) is able to assume a plurality of angular positions with respect to the first part (74) during displacement of the capsule-holder (50) between the distanced position and the approached position where it is close up.