Lateral Capsule Rejection Mechanism for Automatic Coffeemaker Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffeemakers face difficulties in capsule disposal and compression mechanisms, leading to user inconvenience, high operational costs, and poor brewing performance due to complex operations and low running speed.
Innovation Solution
A lateral capsule rejection mechanism with an inclined unloading plate, blocking plate, and capsule collector, combined with a compression system using piston assemblies and spring mechanisms for automatic capsule collection and brewing, enhancing speed, stability, and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hidden capsule collector is used inside the coffeemaker case, then capsules are automatically collected, but the user cannot easily monitor water accumulation level and excessive capsules may block the moving mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule collector is moved from an internal hidden position to an external position outside the case, utilizing the lateral dimension. This allows the collector to be visible and accessible to users while maintaining automatic collection functionality through the inclined unloading plate mechanism
2Ease of operation
If hand operation is used to take out used capsules, then capsule disposal is simple, but user experience degrades due to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs capsule ejection automatically through the inclined unloading plate and blocking plate mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The mechanism self-regulates by using the capsule's own weight and the inclined plane to achieve ejection when the blocking plate moves to the open position
3Force
If a large piston with long-distance driving is used for capsule compression, then compression force is sufficient, but driving distance is long, speed is low, and required driving force is large
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism is divided into two separate piston assemblies (first and second piston compression assemblies) that work in sequence. The first piston performs initial compression while the second piston completes the compression, allowing each piston to travel shorter distances at higher speeds while collectively achieving the required compression force
4Extent of automation
If motor driving is used for capsule compression, then automation is achieved, but manufacturing and use cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid pressure transmitted through connected piston chambers to achieve automatic compression. The fluid pressure system provides automated force transmission without requiring motors, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining automation through the hydraulic connection between the first and second piston assemblies
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 mechanism allows for automatic capsule collection, improved compression speed and stability, and reduced production costs, preventing water overflow and bacterial growth, while ensuring precise movement and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined unloading plate arranged inside a case for a capsule coffeemaker
Implementation Method 2
each of the first bracket and the second bracket is provided with a spring assembly connected to the compression mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a first fluid inlet is formed at one end of the first piston chamber, a first piston connected to the piston rod is provided inside the first piston chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a lateral capsule rejection structure for capsule coffeemakers, and a capsule coffeemaker. The structure comprises an inclined unloading plate arranged inside a case for a capsule coffeemaker, a blocking plate arranged on a sidewall of the case, and a capsule collector arranged below the blocking plate; and a discharge port is formed on the sidewall of the case, and a top sidewall of the discharge port is movably connected to one end of the blocking plate. In the present invention, by providing an inclined unloading plate below the automatic compressing, rejecting and brewing device for capsule coffeemakers, the used capsules can automatically fall; and by providing a capsule collector outside the case of the coffeemaker, the user can readily observe the collection condition of the used capsules in the capsule collector, and the user can remove the used capsules in time and know the water accumulation level inside the capsule collector by visual check, so that it is convenient to avoid the overflow of water from the capsule collector, bacteria are hard to breed due to the adequate ventilation, and the excessive collection of the used capsules between the moving mechanisms, which fails the coffeemaker in brewing coffee, will not occur.