Double Helicoidal Ramp Closure for Centrifugal Receptacle Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face challenges in securely closing around receptacles due to axial and radial forces generated by centrifugal pressure, which can lead to separation of rotating parts and improper extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle holding unit with a driving device featuring a helicoidal ramp arrangement and a connector member that converts translational movement into rotational movement, allowing for secure closure and opening of the receptacle, and optionally includes a piercing device for handling different types of receptacles, ensuring proper liquid circulation and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure mechanism is used to secure the receptacle during centrifugal brewing, then the receptacle is held securely against centrifugal forces, but the rotating parts may separate under axial and radial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a helicoidal (screw-shaped) ramp arrangement that converts rotational movement into translational movement. The curved, spiral geometry of the ramp allows the connector member to be driven axially along the rotation axis, creating a progressive closing action that distributes forces along the helical path rather than applying them at a single point, thereby resisting separation under centrifugal loads
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member acts as an intermediary element between the helicoidal ramp arrangement and the rotating parts. It translates the rotational motion generated by the ramp into axial translational motion that secures the receptacle, while also serving as a mechanical link that resists separation forces by maintaining continuous contact with the ramp surfaces
2Reliability
If a helicoidal ramp arrangement is used to convert rotational movement to translational movement, then secure closure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helicoidal ramp arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a transmission mechanism converting rotational to translational motion, provides a closing force to secure the receptacle, and guides the connector member along a precise path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The helicoidal geometry of the ramp arrangement inherently provides both the motion conversion and the mechanical advantage needed for secure closure. The self-interlocking nature of the helical surfaces allows the system to maintain secure engagement without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex control 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
The solution effectively secures the receptacle during beverage preparation, resisting centrifugal forces and ensuring efficient extraction and processing of ingredients, enhancing the overall performance and safety of the beverage preparation device.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission (22, 32) having a helicoidal ramp arrangement (32) cooperating with a connector member (22) for converting a translational movement into a rotational movement or vice versa
Implementation Method 2
When the device is rotated at high speed during centrifugation, the liquid extract creates important axial and radial forces which tend to separate these rotating parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle comprises: a first part (10) and a second part (20) cooperating with the first part; a cavity (11') for receiving the receptacle, the cavity being delimited by at least one of the first and second parts; a driving device (30) for relatively moving the second part towards the first part into a closed position and relatively apart from the first part into an open position. The driving device comprising an actuator (31) and a transmission (22, 32; 22', 32' ) that has a helicoidal ramp arrangement (32,32') cooperating with a connector member (22,22') for converting a translational movement into a rotational movement or vice versa. The helicoidal ramp arrangement is mounted to the first part and the connector member is mounted to the second part so that, when the actuator actuates the transmission, the first and second parts are driven together or apart. The ramp arrangement comprises two spaced apart and generally parallel first and second ramps (32a, 32b) inbetween which the connector member relatively moves along the ramp arrangement.