Capsule Beverage Machine Rocker Assembly With Reduced Mechanical Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines with capsule delivery assemblies face complexity in assembly and mechanical stress issues due to the discharge of preparation and delivery stresses on components like the rocker and connecting-rod mechanism, leading to potential wear and play.
Innovation Solution
The machine features a simplified assembly process for the rocker actuation system with non-circular pins and transverse passages, and a lower positioned movable axis of rotation, which reduces mechanical stress on the rocker during operation, allowing it to perform only movement functions without significant stress, and facilitates easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a toggle mechanism or rocker-connecting-rod mechanism is used to actuate the preparation chamber parts, then the mechanical actuation function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and mechanical stress concentrates on specific components
Solution Approach 1:
The preparation chamber is divided into two separate parts: a stationary part and a movable part. The movable part is actuated independently through a simplified pivot connection, separating the actuation function from the chamber structure. This segmentation reduces the overall mechanism complexity while maintaining the required mechanical actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a complex toggle or rocker-connecting-rod mechanism where multiple components work together to achieve movement, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple pivot connection on the movable part that allows direct rotation and actuation. This inversion simplifies the mechanism from a multi-component system to a single-pivot system.
2Reliability
If mechanical stresses are discharged on the rocker or motor-operated component, then the actuation function is maintained, but component wear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful mechanical stresses are extracted from the rocker or motor component by introducing a dedicated movable part with a pivot connection. The pivot connection absorbs and dissipates the mechanical stresses that would otherwise concentrate on the rocker or motor, preventing premature wear and failure of these critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part with the pivot connection acts as an intermediary between the actuation system and the preparation chamber. It mediates the mechanical stresses by providing a flexible pivot connection that can accommodate forces without transmitting them directly to the rocker or motor, thereby protecting these components from excessive wear.
3Productivity
If a complex mechanical actuation system is installed on the casing structure, then the actuation function is achieved, but the installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into a stationary part and a movable part with independent pivot connections. This segmentation allows the movable part to be pre-assembled and then quickly installed on the casing structure, reducing the overall assembly time compared to installing a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part with its pivot connection can be prepared and positioned in advance before final assembly on the casing structure. This preliminary action allows for easier alignment and faster installation, reducing the time required during the final assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules comprises a delivery assembly (2) having an actuation system that can be controlled to cause relative displacements between a first part and a second part of a preparation chamber. The actuation system comprises at least one first transmission member (13) and one second transmission member (14a). The first transmission member (13) includes two pins (13a), which are coaxial and are engaged in corresponding seats (3d), defined on respective side walls of the housing structure (3). The seats (3d) define a fixed axis of rotation of the first transmission element (13). The second transmission member (14a) is connected in an articulated way to the first transmission member (13) for turning about a movable axis of rotation, parallel to the fixed axis of rotation, and to one of the first part of chamber and the second part of chamber. The pins (13a) have, in cross section, a non- circular geometry, and the side walls of the housing structure (3) have, in homologous positions, transverse passages (3f) that extend from the seats (3d). The first transmission member (13) is constrained to the second transmission member (14a) so as to move in an angular range that does not include an angular position of the first transmission member (13) such that the corresponding pins (13a) would slide out transversely of the rotation seats (3d) through the aforesaid transverse passages (3f).