Capsule Infusion Assembly With Two-Stage Piercing Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion devices for espresso coffee machines require excessive physical effort from operators to move the filter basket holder cylinder and piston together, especially when piercing capsules, due to high resistance and thrust requirements.
Innovation Solution
The infusion device employs first and second movement means to facilitate a smooth and controlled approach between the filter basket holder cylinder and piston, using an actuation lever for initial movement and an expansion chamber filled with propellant fluid for completing the piercing, reducing operator effort and space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lever system is used to move the filter basket holder cylinder and piston together, then the device structure is simple, but excessive physical effort is required from the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single movement operation into two distinct phases: a first relative movement phase using a lever system for positioning, and a second relative movement phase using an expansion chamber with propellant fluid for the high-force piercing action. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall operator effort while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If motor means are used to automate the movement between filter basket holder cylinder and piston, then operator effort is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an expansion chamber filled with propellant fluid (gas or liquid) to provide automated propulsion for the second relative movement phase. This pneumatic/hydraulic system replaces complex motor means while achieving automation, reducing both operator effort and device complexity compared to electrical motorization.
3Device complexity
If a single movement system is used for both approach and piercing, then the device is simple, but excessive thrust is required for piercing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the movement into two distinct phases with different force requirements: the first relative movement uses a lever system for low-force positioning, while the second relative movement uses an expansion chamber with propellant fluid for high-force piercing. This segmentation allows the high thrust needed for piercing to be provided only when necessary, rather than requiring the system to always handle maximum force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the propulsion system between the two movement phases. The first phase uses mechanical leverage with low force, while the second phase utilizes the rapid expansion of propellant fluid to generate the high thrust required for piercing capsule materials with high resistance.
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
Enables automated transition to the dispensing configuration without intense operator effort, reducing space and operational complexity, making the device more reliable, simple, and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an second means for moving at least one of said filter basket holder cylinder and said piston for a second relative movement thereof from said intermediate configuration to said dispensing configuration and vice versa
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion device (1) for infusion capsules and the like, particularly for espresso coffee machines and the like, comprising a filter basket holder cylinder (3) and a piston (4) which can move with respect to each other from a configuration for loading and unloading at least one capsule (5) for infusions and the like into or from the filter basket holder cylinder (3) to a dispensing configuration and vice versa, the device comprising first means (16) for movement of at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder (3) and the piston (4) for their first relative movement from the loading and unloading configuration to an intermediate configuration that is comprised between the loading and unloading configuration and the dispensing configuration and vice versa, and second means (19) for moving at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder (3) and the piston (4) for a second relative movement thereof from the intermediate configuration to the dispensing configuration and vice versa.