Capsule Positioner Layout for Compact Beverage Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines require significant manual effort and space for capsule insertion and removal, and often fail to adapt to different capsule types, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A compact beverage preparation machine with a pivotable capsule positioner that holds and releases capsules vertically, allowing for easy insertion and removal without the need for extensive space, and includes a size sensing arrangement to automatically adjust processing parameters based on capsule type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual handle system is used for capsule insertion and removal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to significant manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing device is equipped with a motorized actuator that automatically performs the opening and closing movements of the movable part, eliminating the need for manual handling by the user. The system serves itself by detecting capsule presence and automatically executing the insertion/removal sequence, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized actuator is used for automatic capsule handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator serves multiple functions: it opens the brewing device for capsule insertion, closes it for brewing, and opens it again for capsule removal. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate manual operations and improving overall ease of use.
3Device complexity
If a fixed brewing device configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as it cannot accommodate different capsule types
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing device incorporates a movable part that can transition between open and closed positions, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on the capsule type detected by the sensing arrangement. This dynamic adjustment capability enables versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled movement rather than multiple fixed configurations.
4Ease of operation
If extensive space is allocated for capsule insertion and removal operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the volume of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule insertion and removal operations are performed in a vertical dimension through the passage, rather than requiring extensive horizontal space. The movable part opens to reveal the passage where capsules are inserted vertically, and used capsules are removed in the same direction, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and compact machine size.
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 machine simplifies the preparation process, reduces manual effort, and enhances safety by allowing easy handling of various capsule types without user intervention, optimizing space usage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a size sensing arrangement configured to: detect a presence of an ingredient capsule in the positioner; determine a size information by measuring a size of the detected ingredient capsule
Implementation Method 2
the movable member(s) being movable from (a) a position for receiving and holding the capsule to (b) a position for releasing the capsule into the passage and vice versa
Implementation Method 3
the movable member(s) being movable from (a) a position for receiving and holding the capsule to (b) a position for releasing the capsule into the passage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
A machine (1) for preparing a beverage from an ingredient capsule (20), comprises: an ingredient capsule processing module (15) having a chamber (16,17) for processing the capsule therein; a passage (2) for a transfer of the capsule to the chamber; and a capsule positioner (40) having at least one member (45a, 45b) which delimits a seat (44) for receiving the capsule, the movable member (s) being movable from a position for receiving and holding the capsule to a position for releasing the capsule into the passage. The movable member (s) (45a, 45b) is/are arranged to: hold the capsule generally vertically above the passage in the receiving and holding position; and drop the capsule generally vertically from the capsule positioner into the passage in the releasing position.