Aluminum Coffee Capsule Emptying and Crushing for Waste Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Used aluminum coffee capsules are typically discarded in regular bins, preventing the recycling of aluminum and inefficiently managing coffee grounds disposal.
Innovation Solution
A device integrated into espresso machines featuring an emptying piston, lateral displacement piston, and crushing piston, along with recovery containers, allows for the emptying and compression of capsules, enabling separate recycling of aluminum and disposal of coffee grounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If aluminum coffee capsules are discarded in regular bins, then coffee grounds disposal is simplified, but aluminum recycling is prevented and material loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the aluminum capsule shell from the waste stream by separating it from the coffee grounds through the emptying mechanism. The capsule is inverted and emptied into a dedicated container, allowing the aluminum shell to be collected separately for recycling while the coffee grounds are disposed of separately, thus preventing material loss without requiring complex processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary emptying mechanism that acts as a mediator between the used capsule and the waste containers. This mechanism includes an emptying piston that inverts the capsule and transfers contents to appropriate containers, enabling separation of aluminum and grounds without direct manual intervention or complex automated systems.
2Productivity
If the espresso machine is modified to include emptying and compression mechanisms, then capsule waste management is optimized, but the machine structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the waste management functions (emptying and compression) directly into the existing espresso machine structure. The emptying piston, lateral displacement piston, and crushing piston are integrated with the machine's handle mechanism and body, combining multiple functions into a unified system that improves waste management efficiency without requiring entirely separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism serves multiple functions: it operates the coffee-making piston during brewing, controls the emptying piston during capsule inversion, and actuates the lateral displacement and crushing pistons during compression. This multi-functionality allows the machine to perform waste management tasks using existing components, reducing overall system complexity while improving productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If the capsule is compressed to reduce size, then storage space is optimized, but additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism is nested within the existing machine body structure. The crushing piston operates within the same space where the capsule is held, and the lateral displacement piston uses the available lateral space in the machine body. This nesting approach reduces the overall volume required for compression functionality without adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression system uses dynamic pistons that move along predetermined paths guided by grooves in the machine body. The lateral displacement piston slides in a 90-degree curved groove to achieve lateral movement, while the crushing piston moves vertically. These dynamic, guided movements enable effective compression and size reduction using simple mechanical components rather than complex automated systems.
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
Facilitates the recycling of aluminum and proper disposal of coffee grounds by modifying the espresso machine to include a system for emptying and compressing used capsules, optimizing waste management within the machine's existing structure.
Implementation Method 1
the emptying piston (2) is of the opposite shape to the latter (1) so as to be able to turn around and smash the thin perforated wall when in use and thus empty it of the grounds into the container (5) provided for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
It is made of flexible material and slides in a groove comprising a 90° curve
Implementation Method 3
By closing the handle (7), the movement of the crushing piston (4) is actuated rearward via the lever (9) so as to compress the pushed back part of the capsule to flatten it
Implementation Method 4
By a lever system (8), the handling of the handle (7) controls the movement of the emptying piston (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating the aluminium of used coffee capsule by removing the coffee grounds therefrom and by reducing the overall dimensions by crushing them for recycling. The device includes an emptying piston (2) for punching the body of the used capsule (1) in order to turn the housing inside out. The coffee grounds (5) are ejected by the explosion of the perforated wall and are recovered in a first vessel. After removing the emptying piston (2), a lateral movement piston (3) urges the empty capsule towards a crushing piston (4). The crushed capsule (17) then falls into a second vessel intended therefore. The actuation of the operational handle (7) of the coffee machine (10) controls the pistons (2, 3, 4). The device is intended for separating coffee residue from aluminium.