Cartridge Delivery Assembly With Automatic Ejection and Hygienic Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery assemblies for machines that prepare liquid products using cartridges are cumbersome, prone to mechanical interference, and pose hygiene issues due to the need for manual removal of exhausted cartridges, which can lead to residue and mold formation when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A compact delivery assembly with a retention system that automatically extracts exhausted cartridges using a combination of inclined surfaces and a toggle-like mechanism, allowing for easy loading and unloading without manual intervention, reducing mechanical stress and improving hygiene by preventing residue accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual removal of exhausted cartridges is required, then device complexity is reduced, but hygiene deteriorates due to residue and mold formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic cartridge extraction through the interaction between the recessing injector and the retention means, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The retention means automatically releases and extracts the cartridge as the injector moves away, making the system self-servicing for cartridge removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention means is pre-configured with extraction functionality that activates automatically when the injector recesses. The geometric relationship between the injector, retention means, and cartridge is designed in advance so that injector recession naturally triggers cartridge extraction without requiring additional manual steps.
2Productivity
If injector and chamber are positioned close together, then productivity is improved, but mechanical interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cartridge retention function from the injector mechanism by using distinct retention means positioned alongside the injector. This segmentation allows the injector to move freely for rapid dispensing while the retention means independently manages cartridge holding and extraction, eliminating mechanical interference between functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention means acts as an intermediary element between the injector and the cartridge. It mediates the interaction by providing a dedicated interface for cartridge engagement and extraction, allowing the injector to focus on fluid delivery without direct mechanical contact with the cartridge during the dispensing cycle.
3Ease of manufacture
If retention means structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but extraction reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical extraction mechanisms with a geometrically-driven extraction process. The relative movement between the injector and retention means, combined with their specific geometric configurations, automatically generates the extraction force needed, eliminating the need for additional motors, actuators, or complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention means is designed with geometric features that create equivalent extraction conditions throughout the injector recession motion. The inclined surfaces and engagement geometries are configured so that the extraction force is naturally distributed and maintained consistently during the entire retraction stroke, ensuring reliable extraction without requiring variable force mechanisms.
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 provides a simple, efficient, and hygienic cartridge handling system that minimizes mechanical wear and eliminates the need for manual cartridge removal, ensuring cleanliness and ease of use by automating the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
the jaws are forced elastically into a closed condition in order to be able to receive in a purposely provided seat thereof a peripheral flange of the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
the extraction jaws are forced elastically into a closed condition in order to be able to support a peripheral flange of the cartridge in a purposely provided seat of the extractor
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery assembly for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using cartridges includes: an injector device, capable of introducing into the cartridge water and/or steam under pressure, an infusion chamber facing the injector device and capable to receive the cartridge, an actuation system, designed to cause displacements of the infusion chamber between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device, a loading arrangement that includes an inlet passage and retention means, switchable between a retention condition and a release condition of the cartridge by means of displacements of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector device. The delivery assembly further includes ejector means, functionally distinct from the retention means and capable of pushing the cartridge towards the outside of the infusion chamber in function of the displacement of the infusion chamber towards its spaced position from the injector device.