Capsule Rejection Structure for Soft Beverage Pods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffeemakers struggle to efficiently reject capsules made of paper-packaged coffee powder, as the spring-based mechanism is insufficient to dislodge them due to the softening of the capsule during extraction.
Innovation Solution
A capsules rejection mechanism featuring a housing with guiding grooves and a pushing plate, where the second frame moves forward to clamp the capsule, then backward to expose it to the pushing plate, allowing the capsule to fall due to its weight, with elastic pieces preventing adherence and ensuring smooth sliding of the first shafts through the grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-based rejection mechanism is used, then hard capsules can be effectively rejected, but paper-packaged capsules cannot be rejected due to softening during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The rejection mechanism is divided into two distinct functional components: a spring-based rejection component for providing ejection force, and a pushing plate component for supporting and positioning the capsule during rejection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling reliable rejection of both hard and soft paper-packaged capsules
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing plate acts as an intermediary between the spring rejection mechanism and the capsule. It transfers the rejection force from the spring to the capsule while providing a stable support surface, ensuring that even soft, saturated paper-packaged capsules can be effectively ejected without deforming or sticking
2Ease of operation
If the second frame moves backward to reject the capsule, then the capsule can be exposed for ejection, but the capsule may stick to the pushing plate due to saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism incorporates a vibration component that acts on the pushing plate during the rejection process. This vibration prevents the saturated capsule from adhering to the pushing plate surface, ensuring smooth and reliable ejection of paper-packaged capsules that would otherwise stick due to moisture saturation
3Reliability
If the jaws are designed to clamp the capsule, then the capsule can be held securely during extraction, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the movable boundary for the extraction chamber during extraction, and simultaneously acts as the driving mechanism for capsule rejection by moving backward to expose the capsule to the pushing plate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable capsule holding and rejection
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 mechanism enables simple, rational, and stable capsule delivery and rejection, ensuring successful ejection of paper-packaged capsules without sticking issues, maintaining device efficiency and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, enabling the pushing plate to have a tendency to move backward away from the chamber
Implementation Method 2
when the second frame moves backward, the compressed spring exert an elastic force to the capsule, so that the capsule may move backward along with the second frame and fall off
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a capsules rejection mechanism in a beverage extraction device, which comprises a housing, a first frame (2), a second frame (3), two jaws (5), a pushing plate (7), an elastic element (8) and two guiding plates. The pushing plate (7) is disposed inside the chamber (22) of the first frame (2) and is movable forward and backward, two backward pushing rods (72) are provided on the front surface of the pushing plate (7), each backward pushing rod (72) movably passes through a rear wall of the chamber (22). The elastic element (8) enables the pushing plate (7) to have a tendency to move backward away from the chamber (22). Two guiding plates (9) are respectively located at one of left and right sides of the second frame (3), the front end of each guiding plate (9) is positioned with the end of the backward pushing rod (72) outside of the rear wall of the chamber (22), a trip hole (91) is provided on each guiding plate (9) arranged along the axis of the housing (1), the first shaft (51) and the second shaft (52) of each jaw pass through each trip hole (91) slideable inside each trip hole (91). The capsules rejection mechanism has a novel and rational configuration with easier delivery and rejection of capsules.