Capsule Beverage Pump With Cam-Driven Priming and Low Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for preparing liquid food products, such as coffee, face issues with priming problems, vibrations, noise, and complex control systems due to the use of solenoid-based pumps, which require costly sensors for precise control.

Innovation Solution

A machine equipped with a compact and reliable pump using a d.c. motor instead of a solenoid, featuring a piston-holder assembly with cam-driven pistons and a recirculation valve for priming, allowing for simplified control without the need for additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a solenoid-based pump is used, then the pump can be compact and simple in structure, but it generates considerable vibrations and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump structureVSAvoidvibrations and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the solenoid-based electromagnetic actuation system with a cam mechanism driven by a rotary motor. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into the required reciprocating piston motion, eliminating the violent electromagnetic actuation that causes vibrations and noise while maintaining a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If a solenoid-based pump is used, then the pump can be compact, but the piston stroke cannot be defined precisely under counterpressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump sizeVSAvoidpiston stroke precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cam mechanism where the cam profile is precisely engineered to define the piston stroke geometry. This mechanical approach ensures that the piston stroke remains precise and consistent regardless of counterpressures, as the cam profile physically constrains the piston motion path, while maintaining a compact pump design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces vibrations and noise, simplifies the structure, and enables cost-effective control of the pump's operating quantities, eliminating priming issues and reducing the complexity of the control system.

Implementation Method 1

an electric actuator, which is constituted by a d.c. motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

featureing a piston-holder assembly with cam-driven pistons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS10376093B2Machine for preparing liquid products, in particular via capsules

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 LUIGI LAVAZZA SPA

AI summary

A machine for preparing liquid food products includes: a source of a liquid; a delivery assembly, having a brewing chamber for receiving a precursor of a liquid food product and for delivering the food product following passage of the liquid through the brewing chamber; a pump, for pumping the liquid; and a control system, for controlling an electric motor of the pump. The pump has a casing with an inlet and an outlet and an arrangement driven via the motor. The motor is bidirectional, and the control system includes means for controlling reversal of rotation of the motor between a primary direction and a secondary direction. The pump has a priming system including a recirculation valve and an actuation arrangement.