Centrifugal Beverage Brewing Unit with Gravity-Based Capsule Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines using centrifugal extraction face challenges with complex designs that require manual handling of capsules, especially during insertion and ejection, which can be hazardous and inefficient, particularly for hot beverages.

Innovation Solution

A beverage brewing unit with a capsule enclosing assembly featuring a first and second enclosing part that move relative to each other, allowing vertical capsule insertion and ejection by gravity, utilizing a capsule insertion assembly with sliding surfaces and support surfaces to guide and hold the capsule, and a motor-driven centrifugal rotating chamber for extraction, simplifying the alignment and operation of rotating parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual capsule insertion and removal is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to hot beverage hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule handling mechanismVSAvoidcapsule insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule insertion assembly automatically performs capsule insertion and ejection functions. The system uses a capsule holder that is automatically positioned by a positioning member, and the capsule is automatically ejected after brewing without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself for capsule handling tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A positioning member acts as an intermediary between the capsule holder and the capsule. This positioning member guides and positions the capsule holder accurately during insertion, and facilitates automatic ejection after brewing, mediating the interaction between mechanical components to achieve safe and reliable capsule handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex cinematic assembly with sliding clamps and hinged cover is used, then capsule ejection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule ejectionVSAvoidcapsule enclosing assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and simplifies the capsule ejection function from a complex multi-component system. Instead of using sliding clamps and hinged covers, the invention uses a simplified capsule enclosing assembly with a capsule holder that can be automatically positioned and ejected, removing unnecessary complex cinematic mechanisms while maintaining reliable capsule handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule enclosing assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a capsule holder for securing the capsule, a positioning member for accurate alignment, and an ejection mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If vertical capsule arrangement is used, then device structure is simplified, but productivity decreases due to long cooling period required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidbeverage production speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional vertical arrangement with a horizontal capsule holder arrangement. This mechanical reconfiguration allows the capsule to be positioned horizontally, enabling faster removal and reducing the cooling period required, thereby increasing beverage production speed while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule holder is designed to be movable between different positions (insertion position and ejection position). This dynamic capability allows the system to quickly transition between brewing cycles, reducing idle time and cooling periods, thereby increasing productivity without complicating the overall apparatus structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design enhances safety and efficiency by minimizing user intervention during capsule handling, allowing for quick and reliable insertion and ejection of capsules, and facilitates easier beverage extraction and collection, while maintaining a simpler and more reliable cinematic assembly.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the receptacle at elevated speed to ensure interaction of liquid with powder while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle; such pressure increasing gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

allowing vertical capsule insertion and ejection by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11241114B2Beverage brewing unit particularly for machines for preparing beverages from capsules

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

Beverage brewing units particularly for machines for preparing beverages from capsules by centrifugation are disclosed. The beverage brewing units include first and second enclosing parts moveable relative to one another that together define a centrifugal rotating chamber assembly arranged for receiving a capsule and for rotating it for the extraction of the beverage. Also disclosed are beverage production devices that include the beverage brewing units.