Capsule Machine Transport Element Loop Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsule machines have low productivity per unit time and are cumbersome due to the need for multiple operating stations, which increases costs and reduces operating speed.
Innovation Solution
A beverage capsule machine with a transport element in a loop configuration featuring multiple stations, including a feeding station, dosing station, closing station, and outfeed station with rotating contact heads and wheels to efficiently pick and place capsules on a receiving table, allowing for high-speed and precise capsule handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the belt is made wider to form multiple rows of pockets, then productivity per unit time increases, but the machine becomes more cumbersome and expensive with increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional linear arrangement of stations to a three-dimensional circular configuration where stations are distributed around the perimeter of a circular path. This allows multiple dosing stations (e.g., 6 stations for 6 different coffee types) to be arranged radially around the circular conveyor, enabling parallel processing of multiple capsule types simultaneously without requiring a proportionally wider linear belt and corresponding increase in horizontal space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more operating stations are added to handle multiple capsule types, then product versatility increases, but the machine becomes more cumbersome and operating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular conveyor enables continuous motion of rigid containers through all dosing stations simultaneously, allowing parallel dosing of multiple capsule types in a single continuous cycle. This eliminates the sequential processing bottleneck that would occur with linear arrangements, maintaining high operating speed while handling multiple product types.
3Device complexity
If a linear arrangement of stations is used, then the machine structure is simpler, but productivity per unit time is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges dosing stations in a circular pattern around the conveyor path, transforming the linear sequence into a radial configuration. This allows multiple stations to operate simultaneously at different angular positions around the circle, effectively multiplying the productivity without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual station structures.
4Productivity
If the machine operates at high speed, then productivity increases, but the outfeed station becomes a bottleneck limiting operating speed
Solution Approach 1:
The outfeed station is positioned and configured to receive capsules from the circular conveyor at optimal intervals, with the receiving table and contact heads arranged to facilitate high-speed capsule transfer. The circular motion naturally spaces capsules at regular angular intervals, allowing the outfeed mechanism to operate in synchronized preparation cycles that match the high-speed input from dosing stations.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for making single use capsules (1) for extract or infusion beverages comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid containers (2) and configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the rigid containers (2) and which are positioned one after the other, in succession, each having a respective vertical axis (Z10); a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating in phase with the same transport element (8) and comprising: a feed station (11) for feeding the rigid containers (2) into respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) for closing the rigid container (2) with a length of sheet (7); an outfeed station (14) which withdraws the capsules (1) from the transport element (8); the outfeed station (14) comprises a contact head (21) for contacting and picking a capsule (1) from a respective pocket (10) of the transport element (8) and placing the capsule (1) on a receiving table (20).