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 device separation and handling difficulties during the extraction process.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle holding unit with a helicoidal ramp arrangement and connector member that converts translational movement into rotational movement, allowing for secure closure and opening of the receptacle, and includes a piercing device for adjusting speed and force to manage these forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional closure mechanism is used to secure the receptacle, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot resist the axial and radial forces generated by centrifugal pressure, leading to separation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism employs a helicoidal (screw-thread-like) ramp arrangement that converts linear motion into rotational motion. This curved, spiral geometry allows the mechanism to progressively engage with the receptacle holder, distributing the centrifugal forces (both axial and radial) along the helical path rather than concentrating them at a single point, thereby enhancing strength while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connector member as an intermediary element that mediates between the movable part and the receptacle holder. This connector member engages with the helicoidal ramp arrangement and transmits the forces generated during centrifugal extraction, allowing the closure mechanism to resist axial and radial forces without requiring direct, complex structural integration between all components
2Reliability
If the closure mechanism is designed to securely hold the receptacle during centrifugal extraction, then the receptacle is securely held, but the device complexity increases due to additional components for force management
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt to the varying forces during the extraction process. The helicoidal ramp arrangement with variable slope enables the mechanism to adjust its engagement characteristics - providing greater holding force when needed while maintaining the ability to open and close smoothly, thereby ensuring reliable receptacle handling without requiring overly complex fixed-structure mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The helicoidal ramp arrangement features a variable slope that changes along its length. This parameter change allows the mechanism to optimize its performance at different stages of operation - the slope varies to control the transmission of forces, enabling secure holding during high-stress centrifugal extraction while facilitating easier opening and closing when forces are lower, thus achieving reliability without excessive complexity
3Productivity
If a helicoidal ramp arrangement with variable slope is used to manage forces, then the speed and force are optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helicoidal ramp arrangement deliberately incorporates a variable slope design where the angle changes along the length of the ramp. This parameter change is specifically engineered to optimize the transmission of forces during centrifugal extraction - steeper sections provide greater mechanical advantage for force multiplication, while gentler sections allow for smoother motion and reduced friction. The variable slope enables the mechanism to adapt to different operational phases, improving extraction efficiency while the design itself provides guidance for manufacturing tolerances
4Strength
If the connector member engages with the helicoidal ramp to convert translational movement to rotational movement, then the closure is secure, but the device complexity increases due to the transmission mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs several functions: it engages with the helicoidal ramp arrangement to convert translational movement into rotational movement, it transmits the forces generated during centrifugal extraction, and it provides a mechanical linkage between the movable part and the receptacle holder. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the mechanism achieves secure closure without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 ensures secure handling and processing of receptacles during beverage preparation by effectively managing the axial and radial forces, preventing device separation and enhancing the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission (22, 32) that has 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
circulating liquid into the receptacle and rotating the receptacle at sufficient speed to ensure interaction of the liquid with the ingredient while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle. Such pressure increases gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle holding unit for a beverage preparation device includes a first part and a second part cooperating with the first part; a cavity for receiving a receptacle containing an ingredient; and a driving device for relatively moving the second part towards the first part into a closed position for securing such receptacle in the cavity and relatively apart from the first part into an open position for inserting of the receptacle into the cavity. The driving device has an actuator and a transmission that has a helicoidal ramp arrangement cooperating with a connector member for converting a translational movement into a rotational movement or vice versa. When the actuator actuates the transmission, the first and second parts are driven together or apart by the ramp arrangement cooperating with the connector member.