Capsule Extraction Assembly for Deformed Beverage Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines using capsules face challenges in efficiently extracting spent capsules due to mechanical softening caused by high temperatures, which leads to excessive stress on the ejector mechanism and potential jamming or deformation, affecting the extraction process.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using guide means, such as vertical guides and an ejector member, where the guides primarily facilitate capsule extraction by maintaining a coaxial position with the injector and capsule-holder, and the ejector intervenes only if the guides fail, ensuring a softer actuation and precise expulsion of the capsule, even if it has undergone deformation or swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejector member is used to expel the capsule from the capsule-holder, then the capsule extraction function is achieved, but excessive forces are applied and significant stresses are imposed on the mechanical system due to capsule softening and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the injector's linear motion and the ejector member's radial motion. The cam profile converts the injector's axial displacement into controlled ejector movement, timing the capsule expulsion to occur after the injector has moved away from the capsule, thereby reducing the force required and preventing mechanical stress on softened capsules
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed so that the ejector member is activated only after the injector has completed its injection cycle and begun to retract. This preliminary sequencing ensures that the capsule is expelled when it is less likely to be damaged, as the high-temperature softening period has passed and the capsule structure has partially recovered
2Extent of automation
If the injector and capsule-holder are moved by a mechanical actuation system, then automated preparation is achieved, but the mechanical system experiences significant stress during capsule extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as a motion intermediary that decouples the direct mechanical connection between the injector actuation system and the ejector member. This allows the automated injector system to operate independently while the cam profile controls the ejector timing, reducing the transmission of excessive forces through the mechanical actuation system
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic control over the ejector member's motion, allowing the system to adapt the extraction timing and force profile based on the injection cycle progression. This dynamic sequencing reduces peak mechanical stresses compared to a rigid, direct-coupling actuation system
3Productivity
If the capsule is subjected to high temperatures during preparation, then the liquid product is extracted effectively, but the capsule body undergoes mechanical softening and becomes weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to delay ejector activation until after the injector has retracted from the capsule. This preliminary sequencing ensures that capsule expulsion occurs after the high-temperature extraction phase, when the capsule has had time to cool and regain structural strength, preventing damage to the softened capsule material
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules has a delivery assembly (2), which comprises: - a preparation chamber that includes a first, stationary, part of chamber and a second, movable, part of chamber; - an actuation system (13, 14), controllable for causing displacements of the second part of chamber with respect to the first part of chamber, between a spaced apart position and a close position; - two guide elements, configured for co-operating with a flange of a capsule for guiding the latter towards a position that is substantially coaxial to the first part of chamber and to the second part of chamber; - an ejector member (9), slidably mounted through a through opening of a bottom of the first part of chamber (4); and - connection members (8, 9a), which connect the ejector member (9) to the second part of chamber. The guide elements are prearranged for interfering with the flange of the capsule in order to extract the capsule from the housing of the first part of chamber. The connection members (8, 9a) are configured in such a way that the ejector member (9) brings about expulsion of the capsule from the housing of the first part of chamber if the guide elements fail to extract the capsule from the housing.