Pivoting Capsule Collector for Jam-Free Beverage Machine Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Used capsule collectors in beverage preparation machines often jam due to accumulated rigid capsules forming a heap that extends above the receptacle, leading to collisions with the machine's housing when trying to empty the collector, and existing solutions like optical detectors and capsule counting systems are either expensive or result in inefficient filling and space waste.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable or pivotable capsule collection receptacle that allows filling up to a maximum level above the opening, which can be redistributed when tilted or pivoted, preventing collisions and enabling full utilization of space without jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the capsule collector is filled to maximum capacity, then space utilization is optimized, but the capsules form a heap that extends above the receptacle and causes jamming when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule collector is designed with a tiltable bottom that can dynamically change from a horizontal position during filling to a tilted position during removal. This dynamic adjustment allows the collector to accommodate capsules in a heap configuration without jamming, as the tilted position causes capsules to slide forward and clear the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the collector bottom angle. During operation, the bottom transitions from 0 degrees (horizontal) to a positive angle (tilted), thereby altering how capsules are positioned and enabling both maximum filling and smooth removal without mechanical interference.
2Reliability
If an optical level detector is installed to prevent jamming, then capsule level monitoring is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule collector utilizes the natural physical behavior of rigid capsules to form self-sloping heaps that automatically indicate when removal is needed. The system requires no external detection or control mechanisms - the heap geometry itself provides the signal for user action, eliminating complex electronics entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex optical detection systems with a simple mechanical design that uses the inherent properties of disposable capsules. The solution is economically viable because it eliminates the need for costly sensors and control systems while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If a maximum capsule count is set to avoid jamming, then reliable operation is maintained, but the collector is underfilled and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable bottom mechanism allows the collector to dynamically adapt its capacity. During filling, the horizontal bottom maximizes volume utilization. During removal, the tilted bottom creates clearance for smooth extraction. This eliminates the need for conservative filling limits.
4Manufacturing precision
If the receptacle is made rigid for structural stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the receptacle cannot adapt to capsule heap formation and causes jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into a rigid outer shell and a flexible tiltable bottom section. The rigid shell maintains structural integrity and precise manufacturing, while the flexible bottom section adapts to capsule heap formation and enables smooth removal by tilting to redirect capsule flow.
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 solution allows for efficient filling and removal of used capsules without jamming, optimizing space usage and eliminating the need for expensive detection systems, ensuring smooth operation and reduced waste.
Implementation Method 1
the capsules may fall by gravity into the collector upon extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for preparing a beverage from a capsule containing an ingredient of the beverage, includes a housing with a cavity to which used capsules are evacuated; and a collection receptacle in the cavity of the housing. The receptacle has an opening for receiving the evacuated used capsules and collecting the capsules. The receptacle has a reception orientation in which the receptacle is arranged to be filled with capsules up to a maximum level of fill in the cavity which extends above the opening of the receptacle in the reception orientation of the receptacle. The receptacle being tiltable or pivotable in the cavity into a removal orientation for allowing removal of the collection receptacle filled with capsules from the cavity.