Capsule Gripper Jaw Mechanism for Reliable Used Capsule Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion apparatuses for beverage preparation machines, such as those using capsules, face challenges in reliably and securely releasing and evacuating used capsules, often relying on complex mechanisms that are costly and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a bearing structure with a movable opening member and reaction means that keeps the opening member advanced, causing the gripper-type holding device's jaws to open wide when the movable assembly approaches the closing position, allowing for secure capsule retention and subsequent release during the return stroke, facilitated by a spring mechanism that maintains the jaws open for a predetermined distance to allow exhausted capsule discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to release and evacuate used capsules, then the reliability of capsule release is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the movable assembly's own motion to automatically open the jaws and evacuate capsules. The gripper type holding device is actuated by the displacement of the movable assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate complex release mechanisms. The jaws open automatically when the movable assembly approaches the closing position, and the exhausted capsule is evacuated during the return displacement, achieving self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw opening mechanism transitions from a static complex mechanical system to a dynamic system that automatically adjusts based on the position of the movable assembly. The opening member moves dynamically with the movable assembly's displacement, and the reaction means (spring) provides dynamic force to maintain the opening member in an advanced position, creating a flexible and adaptive capsule release system.
2Device complexity
If simple and economical means are used for capsule release, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of capsule evacuation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction means (spring) is pre-loaded to keep the opening member in an advanced position before the movable assembly begins its motion. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the movable assembly approaches the closing position, the opening member is already in place to interfere with the gripper type holding device and cause the jaws to open wide, ensuring reliable capsule release without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback through the interaction between the movable assembly's displacement and the opening member. As the movable assembly moves, it automatically triggers the jaw opening action, and the spring provides continuous force feedback to maintain the opening member in the correct position. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable capsule evacuation while keeping the system simple and economical.
3Reliability
If the jaws remain closed during the return stroke, then the capsule retention is secure, but the exhausted capsule cannot be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw opening action occurs periodically during the return stroke of the movable assembly. The reaction means (spring) maintains the opening member in an advanced position only during the initial phase of the return displacement, causing the jaws to open wide temporarily. This periodic opening allows the exhausted capsule to be discharged, while the jaws remain closed during the infusion process to secure capsule retention, achieving both retention security and discharge ease through periodic action.
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
Ensures reliable and secure release and evacuation of exhausted capsules using simple and economically produced means, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the infusion process.
Implementation Method 1
reaction means tending to keep it in an advanced position in which, when the movable assembly approaches the closing position, said member is capable of interfering with the gripper type holding device and causing the jaws thereof to be opened wide
Implementation Method 2
in an end phase of the displacement of the movable assembly towards the closing position the gripper type holding device, with the jaws wide open, is capable of urging the opening member towards a rearward position, against the action of the associated reaction means
Implementation Method 3
in an initial phase of the return displacement of the movable assembly towards the opening position, the opening member, under the action of said reaction means, is capable of maintaining the gripper type holding device with the jaws wide open for a predetermined stroke of the movable assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus comprises a support and guide structure with a movable assembly and a cooperating assembly. The movable assembly couples with the cooperating assembly to define an infusion chamber. Between the two assemblies is provided a gripper type holding device, with a pair of movable jaws for receiving and retaining a capsule. The jaws opened by means for releasing the capsule when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. The opening has associated reaction means to keep it in an advanced position, when the movable assembly approaches the closing position. In an end phase of the displacement of the movable assembly the gripper type holding device urges the opening member towards a rearward position, and in an initial phase of the return displacement of the movable assembly the opening member maintains the gripper type holding device with the jaws wide open to release the capsule.