Capsule Guide and Ejector Timing for Reliable Beverage Machine Expulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines using capsules face challenges in efficiently expelling capsules due to mechanical softening caused by high temperatures, leading to excessive stress on the ejector mechanism and potential jamming or deformation.
Innovation Solution
The machine employs a delivery assembly with movable guides that primarily handle capsule extraction, delaying the ejector's intervention until the guides fail to extract the capsule, ensuring a softer actuation and precise expulsion, even in cases of capsule deformation or swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejector member is used to expel the capsule from the capsule-holder, then the capsule can be extracted, but excessive mechanical stress is applied to the ejector mechanism due to capsule softening and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector member is retracted in advance before the capsule is expelled, so that it only engages with the capsule when the guides fail to extract it. This preliminary positioning ensures the ejector is ready to act softly and precisely only when necessary, avoiding excessive mechanical stress on the ejector mechanism while maintaining reliable capsule extraction.
2Ease of operation
If the ejector member advances into the capsule-holder to cause capsule expulsion, then the capsule is extracted, but significant stresses are imposed on the mechanical system
Solution Approach 1:
The guides serve as the primary intermediary mechanism for capsule extraction, handling the majority of extraction tasks. The ejector member acts as a secondary intermediary that only intervenes when the guides fail, providing a softer and more precise expulsion action that reduces significant stresses on the overall mechanical system.
3Productivity
If the capsule is subjected to high temperatures during preparation, then the liquid product can be extracted, but the capsule body undergoes mechanical softening and weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector member is retracted in advance and only engages with the softened capsule when the guides fail to extract it, allowing for a softer interaction that accounts for the capsule's weakened state due to thermal softening during liquid product preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guides serve as the primary extraction mechanism that adapts to the softened capsule condition, while the ejector member provides secondary assistance only when needed, reducing mechanical stress on the already weakened capsule structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules has a delivery assembly, which comprises: - a preparation chamber that includes a first, stationary, part of chamber and a second, movable, part of chamber (5); - an actuation system, controllable for causing displacements of the second part of chamber)5) with respect to the first part of chamber, between a spaced apart position and a close position; - two guide elements (7), configured for co-operating with a flange of a capsule for guiding the latter towards a position that is substantially coaxial to the first part of chamber and to the second part of chamber (5). The machine further comprises means for bringing about a momentary increase in the distance between each first guide element (7) and a front of the second part of chamber (5), in the course of displacement of the second part of chamber from the close position to the spaced apart position.