Capsule Distributor with Helical Screw Ordering for Bulk Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule distributors are bulky, complex, and prone to jamming, especially when handling capsules with axial symmetry and irregular shapes, and they do not provide precise orientation for efficient bulk loading and distribution in beverage production machines.

Innovation Solution

A capsule distributing device with a container for bulk loading, featuring an ordering assembly with a rotating helical screw and inclined basket for vertical arrangement, an orientating assembly for precise orientation, and a conveying assembly to ensure capsules are aligned correctly before being fed into a distribution outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If capsules are arranged in an orderly manner in traditional distributors, then capsules can be taken one at a time, but the device becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule accessibilityVSAvoiddistributor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (storage, ordering, orientating, and conveying) into a single integrated bulk loading device. The container holds capsules in bulk while incorporating an ordering assembly with a rotating helical screw and inclined basket that simultaneously performs mixing, ordering, and orientation functions, eliminating the need for separate traditional distributor components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device segments the capsule handling process into distinct functional zones within the container: a bulk storage zone, an ordering zone with the helical screw and inclined basket, an orientating zone with the orientating assembly, and a conveying zone. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining a compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If bulk loading is implemented in traditional distributors, then loading efficiency improves, but capsule jamming occurs during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidcapsule transport reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ordering assembly with the rotating helical screw and inclined basket performs preliminary ordering and orientation of capsules before they enter the transport phase. This preliminary action ensures capsules are properly aligned and oriented before conveying, preventing jamming during transport while maintaining bulk loading efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic elements including the rotating helical screw that mixes and orders capsules, the rotating basket that transports ordered capsules, and the orientating assembly that dynamically adjusts capsule orientation. These dynamic mechanisms ensure smooth capsule flow and prevent jamming during bulk loading and transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If precise orientation is achieved for irregularly shaped capsules, then distribution efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule orientation precisionVSAvoidordering and orientating mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ordering assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the rotating helical screw mixes capsules while the inclined basket orders them vertically, and the rotating basket simultaneously transports and orients capsules. This multi-functionality achieves precise orientation for irregularly shaped capsules without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device ensures precise orientation and efficient distribution of capsules, preventing jamming and allowing for compact installation in machines, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of capsule distribution.

Implementation Method 1

said ordering assembly comprises a rotating helical screw for mixing capsules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical screw mixing: Helix

Implementation Method 2

said basket having an inclined upper wall or slide, such that its height varies gradually from a minimum to a maximum along its periphery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11825980B2Capsule distributing device with bulk loading

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 MITAKA SRL

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for distributing capsules with axial symmetry and irregular shape, including: a container apt to receive in bulk a plurality of capsules; an ordering assembly placed inside the container, apt to arrange the capsules vertically; an orientating assembly, apt to receive the capsules from the ordering assembly and to orientate them in a predetermined direction; and a conveying assembly apt to receive the capsules from the orientating assembly and to convey them towards a distribution outlet in a predetermined orientation.