Capsule Support Mechanism for Manual Ejection of Stuck Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines with capsule delivery assemblies face issues in extracting spent capsules due to stuck or swollen front sealing foils, causing jamming and requiring manual removal through the top opening.
Innovation Solution
A supporting member in the delivery assembly is designed to switch between advanced and retracted positions using mechanical stop elements and an elastic element, allowing for temporary recession to facilitate capsule drop when stuck, enabling manual expulsion by applying a downward thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supporting member remains in the advanced position to support the capsule during injector movement, then the capsule is properly positioned and supported, but the capsule cannot be manually expelled when it gets stuck due to swollen sealing foil
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed to be movable between an advanced position (for supporting the capsule during normal operation) and a retracted position (for enabling capsule extraction). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to different operational states: during normal use, the member supports the capsule reliably; when extraction is needed, the member can be retracted to clear the extraction path, resolving the contradiction between support reliability and extraction ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member acts as an intermediary element between the capsule and the user's extraction action. By making this intermediary movable rather than fixed, the system allows the user to retract the member as a mediator out of the way, enabling direct contact between the user's pushing action and the capsule flange for effective extraction when the sealing foil is swollen.
2Ease of operation
If additional springs are added to enable supporting member recession, then capsule extraction is facilitated, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed to be manually retracted by the user through direct interaction with the capsule or the member itself. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional springs or automated mechanisms, allowing the user to perform the retraction action themselves when capsule extraction is needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining extraction ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extracts the problematic supporting member out of the way (retracts it) temporarily during the extraction phase. By making the member removable or movable rather than permanently installed in the advanced position, the system allows clean separation of the member from the capsule path, enabling effective extraction without requiring complex spring-loaded or motorized retraction mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the supporting member is fixed in the advanced position, then capsule support is stable, but manual expulsion of stuck capsules is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member transitions from a fixed stable position during normal operation to a movable position during extraction. The member is designed to be stable in the advanced position for capsule support, but can be dynamically retracted when needed, allowing the system to maintain stability during operation while enabling ease of extraction when required.
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 allows for reliable and simple manual removal of stuck capsules without additional springs, ensuring efficient operation and user convenience in handling jammed capsules.
Implementation Method 1
the body (30) of the supporting member (8) comprises an elastic element (36), the supporting arrangement (70) being configured for enabling - with the injector (5) in the spaced apart position - a temporary recession of the supporting member (8) towards the position of release of the capsule against the action of the elastic element (36), following upon application on the capsule itself of a force of thrust towards the outlet passage (3b)
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid products via capsules has a delivery assembly (2), which comprises: a preparation chamber (4-5) that includes a first part of chamber (4) and a second part of chamber (5); - an actuation system (11) controllable for causing movements of the second part of chamber (5) with respect to the first part of chamber (4); and - a supporting arrangement (8, 26) comprising a movable supporting member (8), which is able to keep a capsule in a position that is substantially coaxial to the parts of chamber (4, 5), and a first stop element and a second stop element for the supporting member (8). At least one of the body (30) of the supporting member (8) and the second stop element (28) comprises an elastic element. The supporting arrangement (8, 26) is configured for enabling, with the second part of chamber (5) in a spaced apart position with respect to the first part of chamber (4), a temporary recession of the supporting member (8) towards a respective position of release, against the action of the first elastic element and following upon application on the capsule of a force of thrust towards an outlet passage (3b) of the assembly ( 2 ).