Device and method for emptying coffee powder capsules of used grounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for emptying coffee powder capsules are complex, costly, and inefficient, requiring manual precision to separate used grounds from capsules made of aluminum and plastic, with risks of injury and incomplete separation, and often result in crushed closure walls and mold formation due to water-rich organic material.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a box-like body with a cutting element and blade mechanism that incises and separates the closure wall from the containment body, allowing easy access to used grounds for collection and disposal, while also facilitating the separation of materials for recycling and potential use as fertilizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting of closure wall is used to separate used grounds from capsule, then separation can be achieved, but the process becomes long and complex requiring precision and care to prevent injury
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cutting function from manual operation and integrates it into an automated device. The cutting element is mechanically connected to the box-like body and automatically positioned to incise the closure wall when the capsule is placed in the device, eliminating the need for manual cutting while maintaining precise separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the emptying operation automatically once the capsule is inserted. The cutting element and blade mechanism self-actuate to separate the closure wall and extract used grounds without requiring precise manual intervention, making the process simple and safe for users.
2Productivity
If compression is applied to expel used grounds from capsule, then separation efficiency improves, but closure wall made of aluminum is often crushed and expelled together with used grounds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the emptying process into distinct stages: first cutting the closure wall to create an opening, then using the blade to separate and remove used grounds through the opening. This segmentation allows controlled extraction without applying excessive compression that would crush the closure wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting element performs a preliminary action by incising the closure wall before any compression or extraction occurs. This preliminary cut creates an opening that allows used grounds to be removed without needing to crush or compress the closure wall, preserving its integrity.
3Extent of automation
If integrated device inside coffee machine is used, then automation improves, but device becomes extremely complex and costly susceptible to jamming or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the emptying function from the coffee brewing system. The device is a standalone unit with simple mechanical components (cutting element, blade, guide means) that can be used independently, avoiding the complexity of integrating multiple systems while maintaining automation of the emptying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that are easy to manufacture and replace if needed. The cutting element and blade are basic structures without complex electronics or mechanisms, reducing susceptibility to jamming or breakage while maintaining automated operation.
4Ease of operation
If used grounds are collected in enclosed chamber, then organization improves, but access becomes difficult and mold formation risk increases due to water-rich organic material
Solution Approach 1:
The blade separates used grounds from the capsule and guides them directly into the collection chamber through a controlled path. This preliminary separation and guided deposition organizes the collection process while maintaining easy access through the defined opening in the upper wall.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for emptying coffee powder capsules (100) of used grounds, comprising a box-like body (2) internally defining a collection chamber (4) for used grounds and provided with an upper wall (3) which externally faces with a visible upper face (3"), a cutting element (6) mechanically connected to the upper wall (3) of the box-like body (2) and projectingly extended from the upper face (3") of the upper wall (3) of the box-like body (2) and intended to cut the closure wall (103) of the capsule (100) in order to at least partially separate the closure wall (103) from the containment body (101) of the capsule (100). The upper wall (3) of the box-like body (2) is provided with a first through opening (7) for discharging the used grounds within the collection chamber (4), a blade (8) mechanically connected to the upper wall (3) of the box-like body (2) and projectingly extended from the upper face (3") of the upper wall (3) of the box-like body (2), placed at the first through opening (7) of the upper wall (3) and susceptible of intercepting the used grounds and separating them from the containment body (101) of the capsule (100) in order to make the used grounds fall into the collection chamber (4) through the first through opening (7).