Capsule Extraction Jaw Structure for Spring-Free Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffeemakers face challenges with complex mechanical structures for capsule ejection, leading to difficulties in machining guiding grooves and instances where capsules get stuck, requiring additional springs for proper ejection.
Innovation Solution
A simplified structure featuring a housing with a central line, first and second frames, jaws with shafts and guiding plates, and a specific groove design that allows the jaws to open and close smoothly, enabling easy capsule ejection without the need for additional springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a special structure for driving the limiting block to rotate is designed, then the capsule can automatically fall off, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex rotating limiting block structure from the capsule ejection mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple guiding groove structure on the guiding plate that works with the jaw shaft to achieve automatic capsule ejection through linear sliding motion, removing the need for rotating components and complex driving structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding plate acts as an intermediary component between the jaw assembly and the capsule. The guiding groove on the guiding plate mediates the motion between the jaw shaft and the capsule, enabling smooth ejection without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If guiding grooves are machined on the housing, then the jaws can be guided, but the machining becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guidance function from the housing to a separate guiding plate component. The guiding groove is machined on the guiding plate rather than the housing, allowing the groove to be manufactured independently with simpler tools and processes, while the housing maintains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function is moved to a separate dimensional plane by introducing the guiding plate as an intermediate component. This allows the guiding groove to be created on a flat plate surface, which is much easier to machine than creating complex 3D guiding grooves directly in the housing structure.
3Reliability
If springs are disposed inside the first frame, then the capsule can be ejected outward, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule ejection mechanism uses the motion of the second frame and the guiding groove geometry to automatically eject the capsule without requiring external spring assistance. The system serves itself by using the existing sliding motion to achieve ejection, eliminating the need for additional energy-storing components like springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the spring component from the ejection mechanism entirely. Instead of using elastic energy storage and release, the design relies on the mechanical guidance and motion control provided by the guiding groove and jaw assembly to achieve reliable capsule ejection.
4Ease of manufacture
If the guiding groove structure is simplified, then machining becomes easier, but capsule sticking may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding groove on the guiding plate is designed with specific local geometric features that prevent capsule sticking. The groove profile is optimized to maintain proper contact between the jaw shaft and the groove walls throughout the sliding motion, ensuring reliable guidance without requiring complex overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage extraction device with easy rejection of capsules comprises a housing (1), a first frame (2) and a second frame (3). The first frame (2) has a length and a chamber (21) with a side wall. Each jaw (5) is movably connected to a side support of the second frame (3). The first shaft (6) is formed on the front portion of each jaw (5), the second shaft (7) is formed on the back portion of each jaw (5). The device further comprises two guiding grooves (8) and two guiding plates (9), each guiding groove (8) has a front end that bends outwardly; each guiding plate (9) has a pushing portion (91) protruding toward the central line of the housing (1), the first shaft (6) of each jaw (5) slides inside the leading groove (92) defined on each guiding plate (9).