Device for extracting a substance to be infused

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee machine extraction devices require complex opening and closing phases, making loading and unloading of the extraction chamber cumbersome, despite improvements from sealed capsules and two-part infusion chambers.

Innovation Solution

A device with a connecting mechanism featuring a support with a first kinematic connection for rotational movement and a second kinematic connection, allowing for tilting movements in opposite directions, enabling unloading and loading from a single operator movement by articulating a cam with pivot connections and a braking system to control the movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a two-part infusion chamber with movable second part is used, then loading and unloading becomes easier, but the opening and closing phases remain complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading and unloading easeVSAvoidopening and closing phase complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a cam mechanism that transforms a single rotational movement into a complex sequence of tilting movements. The cam profile is specifically designed to guide the second part through multiple positional changes (tilting forward, tilting backward, returning to initial position) during one continuous rotation of the support, making the operation dynamic and automated rather than requiring separate manual steps for each position change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism performs preliminary actions by pre-programming the movement sequence into the cam profile geometry. As the support rotates, the cam surface automatically executes the required tilting movements in the correct sequence (first tilting forward for unloading, then tilting backward, then returning), preparing the chamber for the next operation without requiring additional operator interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple operator steps are required for opening and closing, then precise control is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple operator steps into a single rotational movement of the support. The cam mechanism combines the functions of tilting forward, tilting backward, and returning to the initial position into one continuous motion sequence, thereby consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate operations into a single efficient action while maintaining precise control through the cam profile design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining motion throughout the entire rotation of the support. The second part undergoes a continuous sequence of tilting movements without idle pauses or separate操作步骤, maximizing the productivity of each operator action while the cam profile ensures precise control over the movement sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3133964B1Device for extracting a substance to be infused
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 SA UNIC SA
  • EP3133964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3133964B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3133964B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A device for extracting a substance to be infused comprising: an extraction housing (4) in a first part and second part (1, 2), mobile relative to the first part (1) in order to switch the housing (4) between a closed position and an open position; a linking device between the first part and second part (1, 2), comprising a support (8) with a first link (9) configured to produce a rotation of the support (8) relative to the first part, and a second link (10) relative to the second part (2), the device comprising a hinge configured to produce successively, when the support (8) is moved in rotation about the first link (9) in a first rotation direction (39), a first tilting of the second part (2) in the first direction, followed by a second tilting of the second part (2) in a second direction opposite the first direction.