Motorized beverage machine with mechanical transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines require manual effort to open and close the brewing device, which can be cumbersome and prone to jamming due to assembly tolerances, especially when using high-speed motors.
Innovation Solution
A motorized beverage preparation machine with an integral transmission frame that directly mounts the motor and transmission members, simplifying assembly and reducing tolerances, and featuring a movable part that can be slidably or rotatably mounted on the frame, eliminating the need for additional components and improving mechanical interaction precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation is used to open and close the brewing device, then the device can be operated without additional components, but the operation becomes cumbersome and prone to jamming due to assembly tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical actuation system with an automated motorized system. The motor (51) drives the movable part (30) through mechanical transmission members (52), eliminating the need for manual lever operation and reducing the impact of assembly tolerances on operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system enables the brewing device to open and close automatically without requiring user intervention. The control unit (60) activates the motor to perform the closing operation, making the system self-servicing for the critical function of sealing the capsule.
2Productivity
If high-speed motors are used to automate the brewing device, then productivity increases, but friction wear and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element (620) that acts as a mechanical shock absorber and friction reducer. This element compensates for tolerance variations and reduces impact forces during the closing operation, thereby minimizing friction wear on mechanical components while allowing high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element (620) is positioned to provide cushioning before the movable part (30) fully engages with the fixed part (20). This prior cushioning prevents hard impacts and reduces friction wear by absorbing excess energy before it reaches the sealing interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for mounting the motor and transmission members, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but the number of parts increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor (51), transmission members (52), and support structure into a single integrated unit mounted on the movable part (30). This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and mounting interfaces, thereby improving manufacturing precision by eliminating cumulative tolerance errors while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly of the integrated unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for preparing a beverage comprises: a first part (20) and a second part (30) movable relative to the first part; a motor (51,51′) having a drive member (510, 511) such as a rotating drive axis; one or more mechanical transmission members (52; 521-523; 524-526) for transmitting a movement of the drive member to the movable part (30) for moving the movable part; and a transmission frame (200) for supporting the motor and the movable transmission member(s). The transmission frame is an integral component (200) on which the motor and the transmission members are directly mounted.