Infusion Chamber Closure Linkage to Prevent Coffee Pod Jamming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee machines using disposable packages face reliability issues due to incorrect relative positioning of upstream and downstream closure means, leading to mechanical jamming and package integrity problems.

Innovation Solution

A system with a closure device that alternates between two positions, where upstream and downstream closure means are interdependent, ensuring precise control and offset positions to prevent package entry or exit, reducing the risk of jamming and simplifying kinematics, while also incorporating a pump and actuator operation slaved to the closure device's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If independent control of upstream and downstream closure means is used, then operational flexibility is improved, but relative positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to mechanical jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidrelative positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of upstream and downstream closure means into a single integrated closure device that moves as one unit. This ensures that both closure means maintain precise relative positioning while still providing operational flexibility through the alternating position mechanism, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device dynamically alternates between two positions: first position (upstream closed, downstream open) and second position (upstream open, downstream closed). This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain precise relative positioning at all times while providing the necessary operational flexibility for different beverage preparation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent closure mechanisms are used, then functional capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple closure functions into a single integrated closure device that performs both upstream and downstream closure operations. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining full functional capability, directly addressing the contradiction between functional capability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device is designed as a universal mechanism that can perform multiple functions: upstream closure, downstream closure, and alternating position control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate independent mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while preserving full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If complex kinematics are used to control closure positions, then positioning precision is improved, but mechanism reliability deteriorates due to more moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmechanism reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is segmented into distinct functional components (upstream closure means, downstream closure means) that are integrated into a unified structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with precision while the overall simple structure minimizes the number of moving parts, thereby maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simple dynamic switching between two fixed positions rather than complex continuous control mechanisms. This dynamic approach achieves precise positioning (either upstream-closed or downstream-closed) without requiring complex kinematics, thus maintaining mechanism reliability while ensuring positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enhances the reliability of coffee machines by reducing jamming risks, protecting package integrity, and simplifying the mechanism, while lowering production costs and defects, ensuring safe and efficient beverage production.

Implementation Method 1

the system is equipped with a pump for supplying the chamber with liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

an actuator moving both half chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

allow a package to drop out of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9241593B2System for preparing beverages by infusion

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 CIE MEDITERRANEENNE DES CAFES CARROS

AI summary

A system 10 and process for making beverages by infusing a product contained in a package 1. System 10 has an infusion chamber 7, a closure device 60 including upstream closure element 61 for selectively preventing and allowing access to chamber 7 from upstream of the latter and downstream closure element 62 for selectively receiving package 1 in chamber 7 or allowing package 1 to fall out of chamber 7 by gravity, the position of the upstream closure element 61 conditioning the position of downstream closure element 62 and vice versa.