Jam detection system for an infusion beverage production machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee machines using packaging capsules often jam due to unreliable insertion and removal processes, leading to disrupted beverage preparation and manual intervention for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A beverage production system with two half-chambers forming an infusion chamber, featuring a detection member that prevents the machine from proceeding with the preparation cycle if a packaging is stuck, allowing easy removal of the jammed capsule by stopping the process and facilitating unjamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packaging capsule is inserted into the infusion chamber, then beverage preparation can proceed, but the packaging may jam and prevent removal
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member performs a preliminary check by entering the portion of space where the packaging should be located before the chamber closes. If the packaging is properly positioned, the detection member enters the space; if the packaging is jammed or missing, the detection member abuts against it or detects the empty space, triggering an early interruption of the cycle before the chamber closes and jams occur
2Productivity
If the machine continues the beverage preparation cycle, then productivity is maintained, but jammed packaging prevents subsequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The detection member provides feedback about the packaging position before the chamber closes. The system uses this feedback to decide whether to proceed with the beverage preparation cycle or to interrupt it early, preventing jams and ensuring reliable operation while maintaining productivity by only skipping cycles when necessary
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
Significantly enhances the reliability of beverage preparation machines by interrupting the cycle early when a packaging is stuck, making it easier for users to remove the jammed item and resume operation.
Implementation Method 1
a detection member secured to the first part... entering said portion of space intended to accommodate the packaging in its retention position during the relative movement of the first and second parts
Implementation Method 2
at least one support zone configured to, when the first and second parts are in a first relative position, stop the movement, preferably by gravity, of the packaging and come into contact with the packaging so as to support the packaging in a position retainer
Implementation Method 3
When the first and second parts are in a second relative position, the at least one support zone frees the passage of the packaging allowing the latter to reach, preferably by gravity, the infusion position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~1g
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for producing beverages by infusion of a packaging (50) including a product for infusing, the system (10) comprising: a first (611) and a second (46) relatively mobile part partially defining at least one receiving assembly (611, 46) for receiving the packaging (50) before it is positioned in an infusion position, in which, the first part (611) comprises at least one support area (612, 613) configured, when the first (611) and second (46) parts are in a first relative position, to come into contact with the packaging (50) so as to support the packaging (50) in a retention position that prevents the packaging (50) from reaching the infusion position, in which, when the first (611) and second (46) parts are in a second relative position, the at least one support area (612, 613) clears the passage of the packaging (50), enabling said packaging to reach the infusion position, preferably by gravity. The system comprises a detection unit (600) rigidly connected to the first part (611) and which is shaped to, before the movement of the first part (611) positions the first (611) and second (46) parts in their second relative position, abut against a packaging (50') that may be locked in the retention position or between the retention and infusion positions.