Capsule Infusion Assembly With Automatic Piercing and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee machines employing ground-coffee containers are often complex, leading to high manufacturing costs and reduced sturdiness, and lack an efficient mechanism for automatic disposal of used containers.
Innovation Solution
A simplified infusion assembly featuring a rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped frame with a hydraulic cylinder and telescopic piston system that automatically pierces and grips sealed coffee capsules, allowing for easy insertion and extraction, and includes a stop device for temporary capsule support during infusion, enabling automatic unloading of used containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex infusion assembly design is used, then the brewing function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases and sturdiness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a frame structure, a hydraulic cylinder unit, a telescopic piston mechanism, and a stop device. Each module performs a specific function (support, piercing, gripping, temporary holding), allowing for simplified design and manufacturing of individual components while achieving complex overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic piston automatically extends to pierce and grip the capsule, and the stop device automatically engages to support the capsule during infusion. These self-actuating mechanisms eliminate the need for complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
2Productivity
If automatic capsule handling is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing and gripping functions are merged into a single telescopic piston mechanism that performs both actions simultaneously. The stop device combines support and positioning functions in one component. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed, achieving automatic capsule handling without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic cylinder provides automated actuation for the telescopic piston, enabling automatic capsule piercing and gripping. The hydraulic system offers smooth, controlled motion with simple control, achieving high productivity through fluid power rather than complex mechanical linkages or electronic controls.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified infusion assembly is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but automatic unloading capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic piston automatically extends to pierce the capsule, grips it firmly, and maintains holding force throughout the infusion process. This self-actuating mechanism provides automatic unloading capability through simple hydraulic actuation rather than complex mechanical systems, keeping manufacturing costs low while ensuring automated operation.
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 infusion assembly is cost-effective, easy to produce, and simplifies the coffee machine design while enabling automatic capsule handling, reducing manufacturing costs and improving sturdiness by streamlining the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder (13), in turn comprising a fixed, substantially cylindrical, cup-shaped outer body (14)... designed, in known manner, so that pressurized fluid entering outer body (14) from a radial fitting (21) moves first and second stages (17, 19) simultaneously, and in opposition to a spring (22), towards transverse wall (12)
Implementation Method 2
moves first and second stages (17, 19) simultaneously, and in opposition to a spring (22), towards transverse wall (12)... Spring (22) is fitted to a longitudinal rod (23) extending along axis (8) from second stage (19) and through transverse wall (11), and is compressed between transverse wall (11) and an end plate on rod (23)
Data Source
Figure 1~11
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An infusion assembly (1), wherein a piston (16) is positioned facing an open end (40) of a cup (35), and is movable along a first axis (8) to insert a container (2) of powdered material into the cup (35); the container (2) having been arrested, in use, by a gripper-type stop device (43) in a position coaxial with the first axis (8) and inside a through channel (42) interposed between the piston (16) and the cup (35); the gripper-type stop device (43) being movable with and by the piston (16) to perform a work movement towards the cup (35); and the cup (35) having a second axis (33a), and being mounted to oscillate, about a third axis (30) perpendicular to the first axis (8), between a normal unloading position, in which the open end (40) of the cup (35) faces downwards, and a work position, in which the second axis (33a) is coaxial with the first axis (8).