Capsule Holder and Tilted Insertion Channel for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink preparation apparatuses using capsules are complex, costly, and unreliable due to multiple movements of the capsule-holder, which complicates the mechanism and makes it difficult to achieve a perfect seal under high pressures, especially when injecting pressurized hot water.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a tilted introduction channel and capsule-holder design with a truncated flared shape, allowing the capsule to be easily introduced and ejected without additional mechanisms, combined with a pusher mechanism for capsule ejection and a pivotally mounted capsule-holder for efficient capsule handling, ensuring reliable and economical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movements of the capsule-holder are used to achieve capsule introduction, injection, and ejection, then the capsule can be processed through all stages, but the mechanism complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the introduction channel and ejection channel into a single unified channel structure. The capsule is introduced through this channel and then ejected back through the same channel after processing, eliminating the need for separate introduction and ejection paths. This merging of functions reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining full capsule processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single channel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the introduction path for capsule insertion and the ejection path for capsule removal. The channel is designed to accommodate capsules in different orientations and positions during the processing cycle, making it a multi-functional element that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated channels for each operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movements of the capsule-holder are implemented, then capsule handling is achieved, but the cost of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the introduction and ejection functions into a single channel structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to perform both capsule introduction and ejection operations effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movements of the capsule-holder are used, then capsule processing is achieved, but the seal reliability under high pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified channel design creates a more stable and consistent sealing interface between the capsule and the processing chamber. By eliminating multiple moving capsule-holder positions, the patent reduces the number of sealing points that need to maintain reliability under high pressure, thereby improving overall seal reliability while maintaining full processing capability.
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
This design simplifies the capsule handling process, enhances the reliability of the apparatus, and ensures a perfect seal under high pressures, making the system more economical and user-friendly while maintaining high-pressure extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction channel is tilted by an angle comprised between 30 and 70 degrees relatively to the horizontal plane... allows the capsule to be introduced as far as its final position in the capsule holder and also allows easy ejection of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
injection head for injecting hot water into the capsule... injecting pressurized hot water into the capsule
Implementation Method 3
injection head for injecting hot water into the capsule... injecting pressurized hot water into the capsule
Implementation Method 4
preparing a drink by injection of pressurized hot water into the capsule... containing a substance to be extracted by introducing hot water into the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for making a drink or liquid food from a capsule (3) containing a substance to be mixed with water injected at pressure into the capsule, the apparatus comprising a mixing unit (4) with a capsule insertion channel (14), a capsule holder (8) with a mixing wall (22), an injecting head (10) for injecting water into the capsule, and an opening and closing mechanism (12) for producing a relative movement between the capsule holder and the injecting head to open and close the injecting head on the capsule holder. The insertion channel is inclined at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane (HZ).