Infusion unit for a coffee machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion units for coffee machines are often bulky and structurally complex due to intricate mechanisms for the ejection piston movement, which complicates their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compact and simplified infusion unit design featuring a reversible rotational-translational infusion cylinder with an inclined axis, an ejection piston, and an oscillating scraper element, utilizing an oscillating rocker and control cams to manage the ejection piston's movement and scraper position, allowing for efficient coffee loading and unloading without additional conveying elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanisms are used for ejection piston movement, then the infusion unit achieves reliable coffee ejection, but the device becomes bulky and structurally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker lever combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both a lever arm for piston actuation and a guide for the ejection motion. The control cams merge the functions of motion control and positioning into integrated elements that guide the rocker, eliminating the need for separate conveying elements and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable ejection functionality
2Productivity
If traditional mechanisms are used for ejection piston movement, then the infusion unit achieves complete coffee unloading, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker mechanism transforms the linear motion requirements into a rotational oscillation about a pivot point. This dimensional transformation allows the ejection piston to achieve complete coffee unloading through arc-shaped motion rather than linear translation, significantly reducing the axial dimensions of the infusion unit while maintaining complete coffee ejection capability
3Productivity
If additional conveying elements are added for coffee loading and unloading, then the infusion unit achieves efficient coffee handling, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control cams serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the rocker oscillation, control the timing of piston actuation, and define the extent of rockers motion. This multi-functionality allows efficient coffee loading and unloading operations without requiring separate conveying elements, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion unit having a closing piston, an infusion cylinder, and an ejection piston (for ejecting spent coffee). The piston can slide inside the infusion cylinder, between a retracted position and an extended position, for ejection of the spent coffee. Operation of the ejection piston can involve an oscillating rocker having a first arm (for driving the ejection piston) and a second arm (for engaging the oscillating movement of the rocker). The oscillating rocker can involve a first control cam arranged to generate oscillation in a direction driving toward the extended position of the ejection piston, or a second control cam arranged to generate oscillation in a direction driving toward the retracted position of the ejection piston.