Multisize capsule handling with parallel actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines face challenges in reliably handling capsules of different sizes due to complex mechanical principles and the risk of improper alignment, which can lead to damage and inefficient brewing processes.
Innovation Solution
A capsule handling device with a movable first part and a second part that can change dimensions, driven by an actuator, to accommodate capsules of varying sizes, ensuring proper positioning and extraction without manual complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a movable part pushes the capsule against another part to achieve positioning, then the capsule positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring two movable parts for extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capsule pushing function and the sealing function into a single movable part (the brewing unit). This single part performs multiple operations: it pushes the capsule against the shower head for positioning, and simultaneously forms the sealing surface with the capsule flange. By merging these functions, the device avoids the complexity of having separate movable parts for each function, while still achieving precise capsule positioning and reliable sealing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the capsule is moved during closure of the brewing chamber, then the capsule is positioned in the extraction chamber, but the risk of blocking and improper alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by providing fixed guide members that define a guide path for the movable brewing unit before closure begins. The guide members are positioned to pre-align the movement trajectory of the brewing unit, ensuring that as the unit moves during closure, it follows a predetermined path that naturally aligns the capsule with the extraction chamber. This preliminary guidance structure prevents blocking and improper alignment by constraining the movement to a correct path from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members act as intermediary elements between the movable brewing unit and the fixed frame. These guide members mediate the closure movement by providing a physical constraint and alignment reference, ensuring that the brewing unit moves along the correct path without blocking or jamming. The guide members translate the closure motion into proper capsule positioning without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid capsule feed channel is used to transfer the capsule, then the capsule transfer is straightforward, but the risk of hyper-guiding and jamming increases during simultaneous linear displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capsule transfer and positioning functions into distinct stages. The rigid feed channel handles the initial capsule transfer from the storage area to the brewing chamber area. Then, the movable brewing unit separately handles the final positioning and sealing operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the complexity of simultaneous multi-directional movements, reducing the risk of hyper-guiding and jamming while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet duct slides through the housing during closure, then the fluid system is integrated, but the complexity of assembly and risk of improper alignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outlet duct with the movable brewing unit, so that the duct moves together with the brewing unit as a single assembly during closure. This integration eliminates the need for the duct to slide independently through the housing, simplifying the overall mechanism. The outlet duct is positioned relative to the brewing unit to provide fluid communication when the unit is in the closed position, achieving fluid system integration without the complexity of independent duct movement and alignment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A machine (1) comprises a frame (1') and a capsule handling device (1'') mounted in and/or on the frame (1'). The device (1'') comprises: -a first part (10) that is movablerelatively to the frame (1') from a transfer position for inserting and/or removing said capsule (2a,2b) to an extraction position for extracting such capsule and vice versa; -a second part (20) that has a capsule receptacle (21) delimiting a cavity (21') for receiving such capsule (2a,2b) and for forming an extraction chamber (21'') with the first part (10) in its extraction position, the second part (10) comprising a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b) that are relatively movable between a first relative position and a second relative position to change at least one dimension of the cavity (21') and of the extraction chamber (21''); -an actuator (30,300) connected to the first part (10) for driving the movable first part (10) between the transfer position and the extraction position. The actuator (30,300) is further connected to the second part (20) for driving the first and/or second portions (21a,21b) to relatively move the first and second portions (21a,21b) between their first and second relative positions.