Locking brewing device, beverage brewing device and beverage machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage brewing machines require complex, costly, and inconvenient manual operation to lock capsules due to high water pressure requirements, which complicates the locking mechanism and reduces user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A locking brewing device with a piston mechanism that moves from an open to a locked position under pressure, allowing for automatic capsule locking and unlocking without manual pressing, utilizing a pressure medium chamber and an elastic reset member for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual pressing structure is used to lock the beverage capsule, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a piston driven by liquid pressure from the liquid supply system to automatically lock the beverage capsule. The piston chamber receives liquid under pressure, which drives the piston to move and lock the capsule, eliminating the need for manual pressing mechanisms while maintaining reliable sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the locking function automatically using the liquid supply system's own pressure. The liquid pressure that is already part of the brewing process is reused to drive the piston and lock the capsule, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating separate manual locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a manual pressing structure is used to lock the beverage capsule, then the sealing performance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual pressing action is replaced by hydraulic pressure from the liquid supply system. The piston is automatically driven by liquid pressure to lock the capsule, transforming a manual mechanical operation into an automatic hydraulic process that is convenient for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical pressing system is replaced with a hydraulic system. Instead of the user applying mechanical force through a handle, the liquid pressure from the brewing system drives the piston to perform the locking action, simplifying user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a complex manual locking mechanism is used, then the sealing performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complex manual locking mechanism is replaced with a simple piston and piston chamber structure that utilizes the existing liquid supply system. This hydraulic approach reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating complex mechanical linkages, springs, and manual actuating components while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid supply system serves dual functions: providing liquid for brewing and providing pressure to lock the capsule. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If the liquid inlet passage is formed within a thin supporting plate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsupporting plate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid inlet passage is extracted from the thin supporting plate and relocated to the piston structure. The passage is now formed within the piston body or piston chamber, which are thicker, stronger components designed to withstand pressure, thereby maintaining structural strength while keeping the overall device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 device provides reliable and convenient capsule locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for manual operation, enhancing user experience and reducing operational complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

the piston can move from the open position to the locked position under the pressure of a medium in the pressure medium chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the piston returns to the open position under the action of an elastic reset member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3653087B1Locking brewing device, beverage brewing device and beverage machine
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 GUANGDONG MIDEA CONSUMER ELECTRICS MFG CO LTD
  • EP3653087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3653087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3653087B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking brewing device, comprising: a seat body (3), a liquid guide piercing tube (4) and a piston (5); a piston chamber (8) having an open end (6) and a closed end (7) is formed within the seat body (3), the piston (5) being slidably and sealedly disposed within the piston chamber (8) and forming with the closed end (7) a pressure medium chamber (10) having an opening (9); the liquid guide piercing tube (4) is arranged on a surface of the piston (5) that faces the open end (6), the piston (5) being provided thereon with a liquid inlet passage (11) that is in communication with the liquid guide piercing tube (4); the piston (5) may move from an opened position to a locked position under the pressure of a medium in the pressure medium chamber (10); a liquid supply system supplies liquid to the pressure medium chamber (10) by means of the opening (9) so that the pressure within the pressure medium chamber (10) increases and drives the piston (5) to move from the opened position toward the locked position so as to lock a beverage capsule (36) that is placed within a brewing chamber (1). The locking brewing device does not require a pressing operation for the locking brewing device in order to lock the beverage capsule (36) as in the existing technology, thus the beverage brewing device has reliable performance.