Capsule Gripper Profiles for Axial Offset Compatibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper retention devices for beverage machines are designed for specific capsule types and fail to prevent the use of capsules with different dimensions and forms, leading to potential misalignment and malfunction during the brewing process.
Innovation Solution
The gripper retention device features additional coordinated gripping profiles that allow it to accommodate capsules of a different type by positioning them axially offset, preventing incorrect alignment and ensuring compatibility only with the intended capsule type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the gripper retention device is designed with a single gripping profile for a specific capsule type, then the alignment precision for that capsule type is improved, but the adaptability to different capsule types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping profile is segmented into multiple distinct sections: a first gripping profile section for the predetermined capsule type and a second gripping profile section for the different capsule type. Each section is shaped to engage with specific geometric features of different capsule types, allowing the single gripper retention device to accommodate multiple capsule types while maintaining proper alignment for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper retention device is designed with multi-functional gripping profiles that can engage with different capsule types. The first and second gripping profile sections enable the device to perform the alignment function for both the predetermined capsule type and the different capsule type, making the device universal rather than type-specific.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper retention device accommodates multiple capsule types, then the adaptability is improved, but the alignment precision for each capsule type deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping profile is divided into specialized sections, each optimized for a specific capsule type. The first gripping profile section includes features that engage with geometric characteristics of the predetermined capsule type, while the second gripping profile section includes features for the different capsule type, ensuring each section provides precise alignment for its intended capsule type.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the gripping profile have different geometric characteristics tailored to specific capsule types. The first gripping profile section has local geometric features suited for the predetermined capsule type, while the second gripping profile section has different local geometric features suited for the different capsule type, allowing each local region to optimize alignment precision for its target capsule type.
3Device complexity
If the gripping profiles are designed to be simple and minimal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent incompatible capsule use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping profile is segmented into multiple sections with distinct geometric features, allowing the device to recognize and properly align different capsule types while preventing incompatible capsules from being used. This segmentation provides reliable capsule compatibility control without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper retention device uses the geometric features of the capsules themselves to achieve proper alignment and compatibility verification. The coordinated gripping profiles engage with corresponding geometric characteristics on the capsule surface, allowing the capsule's own geometry to guide its proper positioning without requiring external sensing or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The gripper device (100) comprises a pair of opposite movable jaws (41) having respective coordinated gripping profiles (50) intended to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (C) of a first predetermined type so as to define a retaining position for such a capsule (C) in which the capsule (C) is essentially coaxial with a predetermined reference direction (R-R).The jaws (41) are able to assume a relative rest or standby position in which they are close together and inlet portions thereof (41a, 45) are capable of being splayed and passed beyond by a capsule (C) introduced into the machine (1), so as to allow said capsule (C) to be positioned and gripped between the gripping profiles (50) in the retaining position.Moreover, the jaws (41), adjacent to said coordinated gripping profiles (50), have respective further coordinated gripping profiles (51) able to cooperate with corresponding predetermined portions of the lateral surface of a capsule (CX) of a further and different type able to be introduced into the machine as well as to splay and pass beyond the inlet portions (41a, 45) of the jaws (41). These further coordinated profiles (51) are shaped and/or arranged such that they are capable of defining, for a capsule (CX) of the further type, a corresponding retaining position in which the capsule (CX) of the further type is axially offset by a predetermined amount (Δ) with respect to the predetermined reference direction (R-R).