Motorized Filter Holder Insertion for Automated Coffee Machine Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee brewing systems in cafes and restaurants require significant manual effort and time for inserting and compressing filter holders, leading to inefficiencies and reduced productivity, especially when dealing with large quantities, and existing automation solutions do not ensure a perfect seal between the filter holder and the brewing machine.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable body and sliding mechanism, powered by an electric motor and screw-nut system, that automatically inserts and compresses the filter holder, using sensors to detect the filter holder's position and apply sufficient pressure for a tight seal exceeding 1000 N, ensuring efficient coffee brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for inserting and compressing filter holder, then operators can perform the tasks, but significant time and physical effort are wasted leading to reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect when a filter holder is in place and triggers the compression mechanism without requiring manual intervention or timing by operators, enabling the machine to serve itself in the brewing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system that uses a motor-driven compression mechanism to insert and compress the filter holder, eliminating the need for operators to manually perform these tasks
2Reliability
If manual compression force is applied by operators, then filter holder can be inserted, but high physical strength is required to guarantee hermetic seal exceeding 1000 N
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual force application with an automated motor-driven compression mechanism that consistently delivers the required compression force greater than 1000 N, eliminating variability in human strength and ensuring reliable hermetic sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls and standardizes the compression force parameter to always exceed 1000 N, transforming the variable human effort into a controlled mechanical parameter that ensures consistent seal quality
3Extent of automation
If eccentric cam mechanism is used for automation, then filter holder insertion is automated, but perfect adhesion and tight sealing between filter holder and dispensing assembly are not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the insufficient eccentric cam mechanism with a motor-driven compression system that applies controlled, sustained force to ensure both automation and reliable sealing, combining the benefits of automated operation with adequate compression force
4Quantity of substance
If operators work with large amounts of coffee, then cafe and restaurant demands are met, but operators get tired lowering their productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs all insertion and compression operations without human physical effort, allowing the machine to handle large volumes of coffee processing while maintaining consistent productivity levels regardless of operator fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human physical operations with an automated electromechanical system that can continuously handle large quantities of coffee without fatigue, directly addressing the limitation of manual operation in high-volume settings
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
Automates the insertion and compression of the filter holder, ensuring a secure seal and minimizing spills, while being easily adaptable to existing coffee machines, thus enhancing productivity and reducing manual labor.
Implementation Method 1
powered by an electric motor and screw-nut system
Implementation Method 2
screw-nut system, that automatically inserts and compresses the filter holder
Implementation Method 3
using sensors to detect the filter holder's position
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) for the introduction and block of the filter holder in coffee machines is associated with a dispensing assembly (2) of a coffee machine with a rounded body (2a) having a lower abutment portion (2b) able to be coupled to a filter holder, wherein the device (1) comprises: a movable body (4) associated with the dispensing assembly (2) in a sliding manner with respect thereto and having a seat (8) arranged below the lower abutment portion (2b) and able to accommodate the filter holder (3); sliding means (10, 11, 15) associated with the movable body (4) and able to make the movable body (4) to slide along a main direction (X) between an opening position, in which the distance between the seat (8) and the lower abutment portion (2b) is maximum and the filter holder (3) is insertable into and removable from the seat (8), and a closing position, in which the distance between the seat (8) and the lower abutment portion (2b) is minimal and the filter holder (3) is blocked in the seat (8); wherein the sliding means (10, 11, 15) comprise an electric motor (10) mounted on the movable body (4) and a screw-nut screw system (11, 15) connected to the electric motor (10), the electric motor (10) being able to provide motion to the movable body (4) by means of the screw-nut screw system (11, 15).