Cartridge Delivery Assembly With Cam Jaws for Hygienic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery assemblies for machines preparing liquid products using cartridges are cumbersome, inconvenient for cartridge supply and removal, and pose hygiene issues due to mechanical interference and potential for residue accumulation when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A compact delivery assembly with a movable injector and cam-operated jaws that support and guide cartridges during insertion and extraction, allowing for easy loading and unloading without manual divarication of jaws, and featuring a lower support element and fixed guide means for stable cartridge positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary gripper device with hinged jaws is used for cartridge retention, then the cartridge can be retained during infusion, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires user force to divaricate jaws for cartridge insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional gripper mechanism by making the jaws movable rather than stationary, and the stationary element becomes the support structure. The jaws are now mounted on a movable support that translates with the injector, eliminating the need for complex hinged mechanisms and spring actuators while maintaining reliable cartridge retention during infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge insertion process becomes self-service as the movable jaws automatically divaricate when the cartridge is inserted, using the cartridge's own insertion force to open the jaws. The spring actuators automatically reclose the jaws after insertion without requiring user intervention, simplifying the operation and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the chamber moves back to extract the exhausted cartridge using stationary jaws, then cartridge extraction is achieved, but mechanical interference causes wear and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the jaw support movable rather than stationary, allowing it to translate with the injector during the extraction process. This dynamic configuration eliminates rigid mechanical interference between stationary jaws and the moving chamber, reducing wear and misalignment while maintaining ease of cartridge extraction through the natural movement of the injector-chamber assembly.
3Ease of operation
If manual push is required to divaricate jaws for cartridge insertion, then cartridge loading is possible, but user convenience is reduced and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw actuation mechanism becomes self-service as the movable jaws automatically divaricate in response to cartridge insertion force, eliminating the need for user-applied push forces. The spring actuators on the movable support automatically reclose the jaws after insertion, making the entire process convenient and reducing the perceived device complexity from the user's perspective.
4Stability of the object's composition
If stationary jaws are used for cartridge support, then cartridge positioning is maintained, but the assembly becomes less hygienic due to residue accumulation when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from stationary jaws to a movable jaw support that translates with the injector. This dynamic configuration allows the cartridge support system to move with the infusion chamber, enabling complete extraction of exhausted cartridges and preventing residue accumulation in stationary components, thereby improving hygiene while maintaining stable cartridge positioning during infusion.
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 assembly is simpler, more reliable, and hygienic, reducing mechanical wear and misalignment while allowing for easy cartridge handling and automatic extraction, enhancing user convenience and maintaining cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
The jaws are hinged, at the respective upper ends, to pins parallel to the aforesaid axis in order to swing between a condition of retention and a condition of release of the cartridge, against the action of a spring.
Implementation Method 2
the reclosed jaws determine extraction of the cartridge from the infusion chamber, with the cartridge that can drop by gravity into the discharge passage of the assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine for preparing liquid products via cartridges (10) comprises a delivery assembly (30) that includes at least: - one injector device (34), to introduce into a cartridge (10) water and/or steam under pressure; - an infusion chamber (31), facing the injector device (34) and designed to receive the cartridge (10); - an actuation system (35), designed to cause relative displacements between the injector device (34) and the infusion chamber (31), between a spaced position and a close position; - a loading arrangement that includes an inlet duct (40) and retention means (42, 47), which can be switched between a retention condition, where the cartridge (10) is kept in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber (31) and to the injector device (34), and a release condition, where the cartridge (10) is free to fall towards an outlet passage (41) of the delivery assembly (30). The injector device (34), the infusion chamber (31), and the retention means (42, 47) are prearranged for obtaining a switching of the retention means (42, 47) from the retention condition to the release condition by means of a relative displacement between the injector device (34) and the infusion chamber (31).