Capsule Extraction Jaw Structure for Springless Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffeemakers face complications in capsule rejection due to complex mechanical structures and the likelihood of capsules getting stuck, requiring additional springs for ejection, which complicates the process and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A beverage extraction device with a simplified structure featuring a housing with guiding plates and shafts, where the second frame slides to open and close the jaws, using guiding and leading grooves to hold and eject capsules without the need for springs, ensuring easy and stable capsule rejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a special mechanical structure is designed to drive the limiting block to rotate for automatic capsule rejection, then the capsule can be automatically rejected, but the structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic capsule rejectionVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex rotating limiting block mechanism from prior art and replaces it with a simplified ejecting plate that directly pushes the capsule out. The capsule is extracted from the brewing chamber and placed on the ejecting plate, which then pushes it out along a guide groove, eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanical structures while maintaining automatic rejection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a rotating mechanism to eject the capsule as in prior art, this patent inverts the approach by using a linear pushing motion along a guide groove. The ejecting plate moves linearly to push the capsule out, and the guide groove ensures proper ejection trajectory, reversing the traditional rotational ejection method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If guiding grooves with complex structures are arranged on the housing to guide the jaws, then the jaws can be guided properly, but the structure becomes hard to machine and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw guidanceVSAvoidmachining difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the jaw guidance function from complex housing grooves and relocates it to the ejecting plate and guide groove structure. The guide groove is integrated into the ejecting plate rather than being machined into the housing, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining proper jaw guidance during capsule ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If springs are disposed inside the first frame to ensure capsule ejection distance and jaw clamping, then the capsule can be ejected outward, but the structure becomes complicated and assembly is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule ejection reliabilityVSAvoidspring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completely removes the spring mechanism from the capsule ejection system. Instead of using springs to provide ejection force and ensure clamping, the design uses a motor-driven ejecting plate that directly pushes the capsule out along a guide groove, eliminating complex spring assembly while maintaining reliable ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based ejection system with a motor-driven linear pushing mechanism. The motor drives the ejecting plate to move linearly along the guide groove, substituting the elastic energy storage and release mechanism of springs with a direct motor-driven mechanical push, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If the second frame is designed to slide forward and backward to open and close jaws, then the capsule can be held and ejected, but the structure may cause capsules to get stuck on the front end face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule holding and ejectionVSAvoidcapsule ejection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the ejection approach by using a dedicated ejecting plate with a guide groove instead of relying solely on the sliding second frame to eject capsules. The guide groove provides a defined path that prevents capsules from getting stuck on the front end face, reversing the traditional ejection method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9259118B2Beverage extraction device convenient for package removal

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 NINGBO AAA GROUP ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to a beverage extraction device with easy rejection of capsules including a housing, a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a length and a chamber with a side wall. Each jaw is movably connected to a side support of the second frame. The first shaft is formed on the front portion of each jaw, the second shaft is formed on the back portion of each jaw. The device further includes two guiding grooves and two guiding plates, each guiding groove has a front end that bends outwardly; each guiding plate has a pushing portion protruding toward the central line of the housing, the first shaft of each jaw slides inside the leading groove defined on each guiding plate.