Capsule extraction mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule coffee machines lack an efficient mechanism for extracting and disposing of used coffee capsules, which complicates the brewing process and waste management.
Innovation Solution
A capsule extraction mechanism featuring side guide rails, a push plate bracket with a dovetail guide rail, pulling hooks, and a drive assembly that includes a rocker cover, drive levers, and hydraulic tank coupling rods, allowing for the secure holding, puncturing, and removal of coffee capsules from the brewing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a capsule extraction mechanism is added to enable automatic capsule removal, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a push plate for capsule insertion, a puncturing device with thorn plate for capsule opening, and a retrieval system with pulling hooks for capsule removal. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex extraction process to be managed through modular, independent elements that simplify overall system design and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly serves multiple functions: it drives the push plate to insert capsules, activates the puncturing device to open capsules, and controls the retrieval system to remove used capsules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If guide rails and positioning structures are added to ensure precise capsule positioning, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are extracted as separate, standardized components that can be independently manufactured and assembled into the capsule holder. This separation allows for precise positioning functionality to be added without complicating the design of other mechanism components, as the guidance function is isolated to dedicated structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails act as intermediary elements between the capsule holder structure and the capsule itself, providing precise positioning without requiring direct complex interactions between the drive mechanisms and the capsule. The dovetail guide rail on the push plate bracket serves as a mediator that translates drive assembly motion into precise push plate positioning.
3Ease of operation
If a complete extraction mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into independently manufacturable components including the push plate bracket, pulling hooks, drive levers, and guide rails. Each component can be produced separately using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled through straightforward attachment methods, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing complete automated extraction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the drive assembly, which coordinates capsule insertion, puncturing, and retrieval operations through a single integrated mechanism. This consolidation simplifies the overall assembly process compared to having completely separate mechanisms for each function, as the drive assembly can be manufactured and tested as a unified unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a capsule extraction mechanism (100) comprising a capsule holder (10) and a capsule hydraulic tank (20), a capsule cover (30) and a drive assembly (40), an upper guide rail (50), two opposite push plate brackets (60), and at least one pulling hook (70). Wherein, the upper guide rail (50) is fixed on the top of the capsule holder with a capsule insertion groove and two symmetrical guide grooves (52), wherein each guide groove comprises a bent portion bent outward with respect to the capsule insertion groove; the two opposite push plate brackets are respectively provided with a chucking groove (61) on the opposing faces thereof for holding the capsule, wherein one side surface of each push plate bracket facing the capsule hydraulic tank (20) is provided with a dovetail groove matching to the capsule hydraulic tank, and another side surface facing the upper guide rail is provided with a protrusion protruding outwardly and projecting into the guide groove of the upper guide rail; and the at least one pulling hook is vertically fixed to the capsule hydraulic tank and projecting outwardly with respect to the push plate bracket, wherein the pulling hook (70) is provided with a bent hook at one end away from the capsule hydraulic tank (20). The present invention can meet the requirements of using the capsule coffee machine.