Capsule Ejection Jaw Mechanism for Gravity-Release Coffee Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines require manual removal and disposal of used capsules, which is inconvenient and can complicate the machine's structure with additional mechanisms for automatic ejection.
Innovation Solution
An automatic capsule ejection device with a housing, movable frames, and guiding grooves that allow the capsule to fall by gravity, featuring a simple and efficient mechanism for splaying and closing jaws to facilitate easy capsule disposal without the need for complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual capsule removal is used, then the machine structure remains simple, but user convenience deteriorates due to repeated manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule ejection system operates automatically using the capsule's own weight and the mechanical motion of the piston assembly. The capsule is pushed by the piston after brewing, falls through the slot into the collection container, and is ejected without requiring user intervention for removal, thereby achieving self-service ejection while maintaining relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity as the driving force for capsule ejection. The capsule falls vertically through a slot from the brewing chamber to the collection container, utilizing gravitational potential energy conversion to achieve ejection without requiring additional motors or complex mechanical ejection mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If rotation mechanism for abutments is added, then capsule ejection is automated, but device complexity increases due to additional driving components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ejection function from complex rotating mechanisms and simplifies it to a linear piston push followed by gravitational fall. The slot is extracted from the brewing chamber structure, allowing the capsule to fall vertically into the collection container, eliminating the need for rotating abutments and their driving mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rotating abutments to actively push the capsule out, the invention inverts the approach by creating a vertical fall path with a slot and using the capsule's own weight for ejection. The piston only needs to push the capsule forward, and gravity completes the ejection process, reversing the traditional active ejection mechanism
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 straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective method for automatic capsule ejection, ensuring easy assembly and operation while maintaining hermetic sealing, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
two pairs of guiding grooves mounted on the housing, the ends of the first and second shafts on the jaws being slide-able in the guiding grooves respectively
Implementation Method 2
The lower cylinder of the shaft is movably located in the hole forming on the front portion of the jaw and supported by a spring
Implementation Method 3
allowing the capsule to fall by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic ejecting device for capsules in a coffee machine comprising a housing, a first frame, a second frame and a driving system; two jaws movably jointing with two sides of said second frame respectively, and the front portion of each jaw being able to splay and close relating to said second frame; while a first shaft being mounted on the front of each jaw vertically, and a second shaft being mounted on the rear of each jaw vertically, two pairs of guiding grooves being mounted on the housing. Under the driving system which makes the second word to move and the effect of the collaboration of the first shaft and the guiding grooves, the limiting parts on the front of the jaws can splay on proper time, then the capsule will drop down from the limiting parts.