Infusion Capsule Orientation Using Guides and Auger Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for orienting infusion capsules in vending machines require a rotating drum, limiting their dimensions to a minimum diameter of 190 mm, making them bulky and difficult to reduce further.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reservoir and conduit system that uses guides and an auger to orient capsules, along with rotating means such as a curved wall, to ensure all capsules exit in a single predetermined orientation, eliminating the need for a rotating drum and allowing for smaller dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotating drum is used to orient capsules, then capsules can be oriented with predetermined orientation, but the device dimensions are limited to minimum diameter of 190 mm making it bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the capsule orientation process into distinct functional zones within a linear conduit: a first zone with guides for initial orientation, a second zone with rotating means for final orientation, and an auger for capsule transport. This segmentation replaces the monolithic rotating drum with distributed functional elements, enabling compact design while maintaining orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional rotating drum surface to a three-dimensional linear conduit system with multiple zones. By adding the dimension of linear progression through the conduit with sequential orientation zones, the device achieves capsule orientation without requiring large rotational diameter, thus reducing overall device volume.
2Ease of operation
If a rotating drum with seats is used, then capsules can be received and transferred to infuser, but the device width and depth are defined by drum dimensions preventing further reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the capsule transfer function from the rotating drum structure and implements it separately through the auger mechanism in the linear conduit. The auger conveys capsules from the reservoir through the orientation zones to the infuser, separating the transfer function from the orientation function and enabling compact device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear conduit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transports capsules via the auger, provides structural support for the orientation guides, and defines the flow path for capsule movement. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, reducing device footprint area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves a significant reduction in size without compromising functionality, allowing for more compact designs in vending machines by ensuring all capsules are oriented correctly for infusion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one auger (18) placed in the conduit (14) and configured to engage the capsule and move it along one of the guides (15)
Implementation Method 2
the rotating means, particularly comprising a curved wall (20), cooperate with the auger (18) to rotate the capsule in the last section of the conduit (14)
Implementation Method 3
The opening (3) is configured to allow the capsules to exit with two predetermined orientations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A device (1) for orienting infusion capsules (100) comprises a reservoir (2) having an exit opening (3) for the capsules (100), a bottom wall (4) inclined toward the opening (3); the opening (3) is configured to allow the capsules (100) to exit in two predetermined orientations, a conduit (14) communicating with the reservoir (2) through the opening (3); a pair of guides (15) arranged in the conduit (14) to engage a flange (104) of the capsules (100), each guide (15) is configured to act upon the capsule (100) in a respective orientation thereof to define a direction of feed along the conduit (14); at least one auger (18) located in the conduit (14) to engage a capsule (100) and move it along one of the guides (15); rotation means (20) for rotating the capsules (100), which are designed to engage the flange (104), pull it out of the guide (100) and rotate the capsule (100) to a single predetermined final orientation.