Capsule Dispensing Assembly With Desmodromic Ejector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing assemblies for beverage machines are complex and unreliable in extracting exhausted capsules, particularly in terms of mechanical actuation and ejection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispensing assembly with a desmodromic mechanical connection between the ejector stem and actuation linkage, which constrains the stem's movement to ensure reliable capsule loading and ejection without the need for springs or other energy storage mechanisms, using a cam follower and cam surfaces to guide the stem's position during capsule holder movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gear transmission with non-circular cross section is used to coordinate ejector member movement with pod holder movement, then the ejector member can be actuated during pod holder approach, but the mechanism becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ejection function from the gear transmission system. The ejector member is no longer actuated through complex non-circular gear mechanisms but is instead simply released from its constrained position, allowing the capsule holder's own movement to perform the ejection function. This separates the positioning function (performed by linear guides) from the ejection function (performed by the capsule holder's movement itself).
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule holder performs the ejection function for itself. During its movement along the axis, the capsule holder automatically ejects the capsule from the ejector member without requiring external actuation mechanisms. The system uses its own operational movement to accomplish the ejection task.
2Reliability
If springs or energy storage mechanisms are used to ensure reliable capsule ejection, then ejection force can be maintained, but the mechanism becomes more complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the kinetic energy inherent in the capsule holder's movement to perform ejection. No separate energy storage mechanism is needed because the operational movement of the capsule holder itself provides the necessary force for capsule release and ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes springs and energy storage mechanisms from the ejection system. The ejection function is achieved through the direct mechanical interaction between the capsule holder's movement and the ejector member's constrained release, eliminating the need for additional elastic components.
3Ease of operation
If the ejector member is constrained during capsule holder approach, then capsule insertion is facilitated, but the ejector member mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism segments the ejector member's movement into two independent phases: constraint phase (during capsule insertion) and ejection phase (during capsule holder movement). Linear guides provide constraint in the first phase, while the capsule holder's movement provides ejection force in the second phase, without requiring complex interlinked mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Linear guides act as intermediaries that temporarily constrain the ejector member during capsule insertion. These guides provide the necessary mechanical constraint without being part of the ejection mechanism itself, allowing clean separation of insertion and ejection functions.
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and efficient mechanism for extracting exhausted capsules, ensuring precise ejection independent of retention member action and handling mechanical interference without requiring additional elastic means or energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical connection comprises at least one cam member (86) fixed with respect to the shaft (81) and at least one cam follower (71) associated to the stem (70), which is designated as a whole by 70 in FIGS. 12-14
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing assembly (30) for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using capsules includes: an injector device (50), for introducing into a capsule (10) water and/or steam under pressure; a capsule holder (40), facing the injector device (50) and designed to receive the capsule (10); and an actuation linkage (80), for causing displacements of the capsule holder (40) between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device (50). The dispensing assembly (30) further includes ejector means (70), which are designed to push the capsule (10) towards the outside of the capsule holder (40) according to the displacement of the capsule holder (40) towards its spaced position from the injector device (50). The ejector means (70) are mechanically constrained to the actuation linkage by means of a mechanical connection.