Capsule Positioning Gates With Flexion Springs for Compact Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning and extraction assemblies for beverage machines using capsules are complex, costly, and difficult to assemble, with large transverse dimensions and inefficient capsule handling.
Innovation Solution
A positioning and extraction assembly utilizing L- or V-shaped flexion springs as resilient means, which are easily manufactured and assembled, allowing for simplified and economical capsule handling with reduced overall dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal wire coil torsion springs are used with retaining apertures and wings, then the resilient means can provide the necessary force, but the structure becomes complicated and costly to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex metal wire coil torsion springs with simple, inexpensive resilient means made from elastic material strips. These strips are designed to be easily manufactured and assembled, effectively treating them as simpler, more economical components that achieve the same functional purpose without the complexity of traditional springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the resilient means by using elastic material strips with specific geometric configurations (L-shaped, V-shaped, or arc-shaped) instead of coiled wire structures. This parameter change in form and material allows the resilient means to provide necessary force while being much simpler to manufacture and assemble.
2Reliability
If traditional coil springs are used, then the resilient opposing means can be provided, but the overall transverse dimensions of the assembly become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the resilient means from traditional three-dimensional coiled springs to two-dimensional elastic material strips with specific geometric shapes (L-shaped, V-shaped, or arc-shaped). This dimensional change allows the resilient opposing force to be generated within a much smaller transverse footprint, reducing the overall assembly dimensions while maintaining functional effectiveness.
3Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used for traditional springs, then reliable resilient means can be installed, but the assembly work becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means are designed as segmented, modular elastic material strips that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled into the gate structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes and easier installation compared to traditional coiled springs that require complex winding and retention procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material strips are designed to be self-installing components that can be attached to the gates using simple methods such as adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening, eliminating the need for complex spring installation procedures. The resilient means essentially install themselves through straightforward attachment processes.
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 assembly provides efficient and cost-effective capsule positioning and extraction with simplified structure and assembly, achieving compact design and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient means associated with each of the aforesaid gates comprise a flexion spring including an essentially L- or V-shaped resilient strip
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The assembly (1) comprises first and second portions (17, 18), at least one (17) of which is movable with respect to the other one (18) between an open position in which a capsule (C) can be introduced therebetween, and a closed position in which this capsule (C) is enclosed in an infusion chamber (19) for the preparation of a beverage. Between these portions (17, 18), the assembly (1) comprises means for positioning the capsule (C), including two opposite, rotatable, gates (23), with which respective resilient opposing means (24) are associated, which tend to keep them in a working position in which they are capable of forming guides or seats (26) for receiving and retaining in an intermediate waiting position a capsule (C). The capsule (C) is able to open the gates (23) and pass beyond them when the two portions (17, 18) of the assembly (1) pass from the open position to the closed position, these gates being capable of preventing a return of the capsule (C) to the intermediate position when the two portions (17, 18) of the assembly (1) return to the open position. The resilient means associated with each of the gates (23) comprise a flexion spring including an essentially L- or V-shaped resilient strip (24), with an outer anchoring portion (24a) fixed to one of the two portions (17, 18) of the assembly (1) in an orientation which is at least approximately parallel to the direction of movement (A-A), and an inner opposing portion (24d) which extends towards the direction of movement (A-A) and bears against the associated gate (23) on the side opposite the corresponding guide or seat (26) for the capsule (C).