Removable Beverage Capsule Injector for Cleaning and Swap-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face issues with scaling and maintenance of injection members, which affect functionality and require frequent cleaning, and lack interchangeability for varying injection conditions to optimize beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A device with a releasably mounted injection member featuring a latch mechanism for easy cleaning and interchangeability, allowing different needle configurations for adjustable injection conditions, and a capsule-holder system to minimize user contact with residues and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the injection member is fixed in the device, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The injection member is separated from the main device body into a detachable component. This segmentation allows the injection member to be removed independently for cleaning and maintenance, solving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning ease. The injection member includes a needle element, support member, and connection mechanism that can be detached as a unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism provides dynamic mounting and dismounting capability between the injection member and the device. This dynamic feature enables easy removal for cleaning while maintaining structural integrity during operation, resolving the conflict between operational stability and maintenance accessibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the injection member has a small diameter for precise injection, then injection precision is improved, but the member becomes more prone to blocking by scaling and residues
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable injection member allows for periodic removal and thorough cleaning to eliminate scaling and residues that would block the small-diameter needle. This dynamic maintenance capability preserves injection precision while preventing blocking, resolving the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection member can be completely removed and cleaned or replaced when blocked, ensuring continuous reliable operation. The ability to discard contaminated members and recover clean ones maintains both precision and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the injection member is permanently attached, then structural stability is improved, but interchangeability for different injection conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism enables universal attachment and detachment of different injection member configurations. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to various injection conditions by swapping members, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism provides dynamic connection capability that maintains stability during operation while enabling interchangeability when needed. This dynamic feature resolves the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability to different injection conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the injection member is accessible during operation, then ease of removal for cleaning is improved, but user safety is compromised due to contact with residues
Solution Approach 1:
The injection member is extracted from the device and placed in a dedicated removable holder that can be safely removed and cleaned separately. This extraction isolates the cleaning process from the operational area, maintaining user safety while enabling easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable holder acts as an intermediary between the injection member and the user during cleaning operations. This mediator allows safe handling and cleaning of the injection member without direct user contact with residues, resolving the safety concern while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a device for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule provided to the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (22) for inserting a capsule (24) into a receiving chamber (25) of the device, a closing mechanism (21) to selectively enclose said capsule by a relative movement of at least two enclosing members (10,25b), and at least one injection member (1) comprising a support member (2) and at least one injection element (3), for receiving a liquid, attached to said support member (2) which is arranged to inject liquid into a capsule (24) provided to the device, wherein the injection member (1) is releasably mounted on a support (10) at the injection side of said receiving chamber (25) by means of a releasable connection mechanism (4a,4b,12).