Cartridge Delivery Assembly With Gravity Ejection and Hygienic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee-making machine delivery assemblies are cumbersome, inconvenient for cartridge supply and removal, and pose hygiene issues due to mechanical interference and potential for mold and bad odors when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A compact delivery assembly with a horizontal design featuring a movable injector and infusion chamber, where the retention and guide means are integrated with the injector, allowing for easy cartridge insertion, retention, and gravity-based extraction, reducing mechanical complexity and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary gripper device with hinged jaws is used to retain and extract cartridges, then the cartridge retention function is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cartridge extraction function from the stationary gripper device and transfers it to the movable infusion chamber. The chamber's recession movement automatically extracts the cartridge from the infusion position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical grippers to perform extraction. This separates the retention function (performed by simple retention means) from the extraction function (performed by chamber movement), thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion chamber performs multiple functions: it infuses the cartridge with hot water, then during its recession movement, it automatically extracts the spent cartridge from the infusion position. The system uses its own operational movement (chamber recession) to accomplish the extraction task without requiring a separate dedicated extraction mechanism, making the system more self-sufficient and less complex.
2Ease of operation
If the user must push a new cartridge to cause jaw divarication for insertion, then the cartridge loading function is achieved, but the operation becomes inconvenient and requires user force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static hinged jaw mechanism with a dynamic retention system where the retention means are carried by the movable injector or chamber. As the injector or chamber moves forward during infusion, the retention means automatically release the cartridge without requiring user force. The dynamic movement of the infusion system itself provides the mechanism for cartridge release, making insertion and removal more convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention means are positioned and configured in advance on the movable injector or chamber so that when the infusion cycle begins and the chamber moves forward, the cartridge is automatically retained during infusion and then automatically released during recession. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for user intervention during the infusion cycle, improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the infusion chamber and injector remain in contact after use, then the structure is compact, but hygiene deteriorates due to residue accumulation and mold growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic cycle where the infusion chamber moves forward to contact the injector during infusion, then recedes to extract and remove the spent cartridge. This periodic movement creates opportunities for complete cartridge removal and disposal, preventing residue accumulation and mold growth that would occur if components remained permanently connected. The cyclic nature ensures hygiene is maintained through regular cartridge extraction.
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, reliable, and hygienic cartridge handling system that minimizes mechanical wear and misalignments, ensuring easy operation and maintaining cleanliness by allowing cartridges to be removed without inserting a new one, thus preventing residue-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
in the course of recession of the infusion chamber with respect to the injector, 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
AI summary
A machine for preparing liquid products via cartridges comprises a delivery assembly that includes at least: one injector device, to introduce into a cartridge water and/or steam under pressure; an infusion chamber, facing the injector device and designed to receive the cartridge; an actuation system, designed to cause relative displacements between the injector device and the infusion chamber, between a spaced position and a closed position; a loading arrangement that includes an inlet duct and retention means, which can be switched between a retention condition, where the cartridge is kept in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber and to the injector device, and a release condition, where the cartridge is free to fall towards an outlet passage of the delivery assembly. The injector device, the infusion chamber, and the retention means are prearranged for obtaining a switching of the retention means from the retention condition to the release condition by means of a relative displacement between the injector device and the infusion chamber.