Capsule Holder Gravity-Assisted Removal Using Tiltable Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines using capsules face challenges in efficiently handling and removing capsules, particularly in facilitating easy insertion and removal, especially when using centrifugation methods, which can be cumbersome and require complex mechanisms for motorized opening and closing systems.
Innovation Solution
A capsule processing machine with a holder and cover that are movable between open and closed positions, incorporating a capsule guide tilted to enhance gravity-assisted capsule removal, along with a pusher mechanism for separating the capsule, and a system for guiding the capsule to a used-capsule evacuation area, simplifying the handling and removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized opening and closing system is used for the brewing device, then the capsule insertion and removal is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule guide is designed to automatically tilt during the relative movement of holder and cover, utilizing the movement itself to change the guide's angle rather than requiring separate motorized control mechanisms. This self-adjusting feature reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of capsule handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule guide's angle is made dynamic, changing from a first angle during insertion to a second angle during removal. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational phases without requiring complex motorized control, balancing ease of operation with simpler mechanics.
2Ease of operation
If a tilted capsule guide is used to enhance gravity-assisted capsule removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule guide transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that automatically changes its angle during the holder and cover's relative movement. This dynamic behavior enables gravity-assisted removal without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By tilting the capsule guide, the system creates a gravitational potential difference that facilitates capsule removal. The tilt angle is optimized to maximize gravitational assistance while integrating seamlessly into the existing mechanical structure, avoiding additional complexity.
3Productivity
If the capsule guide angle is changed during relative movement of holder and cover, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule guide's angle is dynamically adjusted during the holder and cover's relative movement, optimizing capsule handling at different stages of the operation. This dynamic adjustment improves productivity by ensuring optimal angles for both insertion and removal without requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle adjustment function is merged with the existing relative movement of holder and cover. The capsule guide utilizes the same mechanical motion that drives the brewing cycle, combining multiple functions into a single mechanical action and avoiding additional complexity.
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 machine effectively facilitates the easy insertion and removal of capsules by utilizing gravity-assisted movement, reducing the complexity of manual handling and enhancing the efficiency of the capsule handling process, thereby improving user interaction and machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
a capsule guide (31) tilted during the relative movement of the holder (10) and the cover (20) from the closed position to the open position to reduce an angle between the guide's evacuation direction and the movement path so as to increase the effect of gravity for moving the capsule towards an evacuation area
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
A capsule processing machine (1) for preparing a beverage from a capsule (5) having a body (50) containing an ingredient. The machine (1) has a holder (10) with a cavity (11) having an upwardly oriented mouth (12) and a cover (20) cooperating with the holder (10). The cover (20) and the holder (10) are relatively movable along a movement path (14) from: an open position for inserting the capsule (5) inbetween the holder (10) and cover (20) into the cavity (11) and/or for removing the capsule (5) therefrom; to a closed position for extracting the capsule (5) in the cavity (11). The machine (1) includes a capsule transfer device (30) having a capsule guide (31) for guiding the capsule (5) from the holder (10) to a used- capsule evacuation area (40). The capsule guide (31) extends along an evacuation direction (31') and is configured to seize the capsule (5) and hold the capsule (5) above the holder (10) and to guide the capsule (5) towards the evacuation area (40) along the evacuation direction (31'). The movement path (14) and the evacuation direction (31') are at an angle (α1,α2,α3,α4) favouring a movement of the capsule (5) under the effect of gravity along the capsule guide (31) towards the evacuation area (40). The capsule guide (31) is tiltable during the relative movement of the holder (10) and the cover (20) from the closed position to the open position to reduce the angle (α1,α2,α3,α4) so as to increase the effect of gravity for moving the capsule (5).