Modular Beverage Machine with Autonomous Capsule Handling Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular coffee machines require manual insertion and removal of capsules for each coffee preparation, leading to inefficiencies in continuous use, potential blockages, and increased operator workload due to the need for precise capsule selection and handling.

Innovation Solution

A modular machine design with a central unit providing electric and hydraulic services to autonomous modules, allowing for automatic capsule handling, independent operation of each module, and easy maintenance, eliminating the need for manual capsule insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual capsule insertion and removal is used for each coffee preparation, then the machine structure can be simple, but the productivity decreases and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoffee preparation speedVSAvoidmachine structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into independent functional modules: capsule loading module, brewing module, and capsule discharge module. Each module can operate independently or be serviced separately, enabling continuous operation while maintaining structural clarity and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A capsule magazine pre-lodes multiple capsules before brewing operations begin. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual capsule insertion during each brewing cycle, significantly increasing productivity without adding complex real-time handling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If manual capsule handling is required, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of time increases due to repeated loading operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for capsule loadingVSAvoidcapsule handling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule magazine is pre-filled with multiple capsules before the brewing process starts. This preliminary loading action reduces the time loss associated with repeated manual insertion, as the system can automatically feed capsules from the pre-loaded magazine during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically retrieves and positions capsules from the magazine without requiring manual intervention during each brewing cycle. The capsule discharge mechanism also automatically removes used capsules, making the system self-servicing for capsule handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If shaped guide members are used to control capsule insertion direction, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability decreases due to blockage and jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule insertion guidanceVSAvoidoperation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of guiding the capsule into the extraction chamber through shaped members that can cause jamming, the system inverts the approach by having the capsule magazine and feed mechanism positioned to naturally present capsules in the correct orientation. The extraction chamber receives capsules from a controlled feed rather than relying on operator insertion through restrictive guides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule feed mechanism automatically orients and presents capsules to the extraction chamber without requiring shaped guide members that restrict operator input. The system self-regulates capsule orientation through its feed mechanism, maintaining reliability by eliminating potential jamming points while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple capsule types are supported for different coffee preferences, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases due to multiple capsule selections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule type varietyVSAvoidcapsule selection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule magazine system is segmented into multiple independent magazines or compartments, each capable of holding different capsule types. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple capsule varieties without creating a complex single-selection mechanism, as each magazine can be independently loaded and selected through simple switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule feed mechanism is designed with universal compatibility to handle different capsule types through a single standardized interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate various capsule varieties without requiring separate selection mechanisms for each type, maintaining simplicity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11083325B2Modular machine for preparing beverages from capsules

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 ILLYCAFFE S P A CON UNICO SOCIO

AI summary

Modular machine for preparing beverages from capsules, including a unit to supply electric and hydraulic services and a plurality of modules for the automatic preparation of beverages from capsules, each electrically and hydraulically autonomous with respect to every other module. The modules are respectively connected by means of an electric circuit and a hydraulic circuit to a single outlet electric connector and to an outlet hydraulic collector of the unit to supply electric and hydraulic services.