Capsule Gripper Jaw Profiles for Axial Offset Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper retention devices for beverage machines are not effective in preventing the use of capsules with different dimensions and forms, leading to malfunctions when a capsule of a different type is introduced, as they are designed for a specific type and cannot accommodate variations.
Innovation Solution
The gripper retention device features additional coordinated gripping profiles that allow it to securely hold capsules of different types by positioning them axially offset, preventing the use of incompatible capsules by engaging with specific portions of their lateral surfaces, ensuring only the intended capsule type is used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gripper retention device is designed for a specific capsule type with predetermined dimensions, then it can securely hold and align that capsule type, but it cannot prevent the use of different capsule types with varying dimensions and forms
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surface of each jaw is divided into multiple distinct gripping profiles, each designed to engage with specific portions of different capsule types. This segmentation allows the gripper to accommodate various capsule dimensions and forms while maintaining secure holding and proper alignment through the appropriate profile engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper retention device is designed with multiple gripping profiles that enable it to handle multiple capsule types universally. Each profile serves a specific function for different capsule configurations, allowing the single device to perform the multi-function of securing various capsule types while preventing incompatible ones from being used
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional coordinated gripping profiles are added to accommodate different capsule types, then capsule type verification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gripping profiles are merged into a single integrated gripping surface on each jaw, rather than being separate components. This combining approach allows the device to recognize and accommodate different capsule types through the unified gripping surface, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining capsule type verification capability
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the gripping surface have distinct local qualities with specific profile geometries tailored for different capsule types. This local differentiation within the unified gripping surface enables capsule type recognition and proper alignment without requiring complex additional mechanisms throughout the entire device
Data Source
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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).