Pivoting Capsule Inlet Cover for Space-Saving Beverage Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines require significant manual effort and space for covering and uncovering the capsule insertion passage, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when handling different capsule sizes and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a pivotable cover that moves between covering and uncovering positions, allowing for easy insertion and removal of capsules without the need for extensive free space, and is connected to the processing module via a motor for automated operation, reducing manual effort and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual telescoping front part or handle system is used to cover and uncover the capsule passage, then the passage can be effectively covered for safety, but significant manual effort and space are required making operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to automatically detect when a capsule is inserted and triggers the cover to open or close automatically, eliminating the need for manual operation. The cover system serves itself by responding to detected conditions rather than requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of telescoping front parts or handles is replaced with an automated system using sensors and motorized actuation. The mechanical system is substituted with an electromechanical system that detects capsule insertion and automatically positions the cover.
2Reliability
If a manual telescoping front part or handle system is used to cover and uncover the capsule passage, then the passage can be effectively covered for safety, but significant space is required making the machine bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sensor-based system eliminates the need for large manual manipulation spaces. The cover opens and closes automatically in response to detected capsule insertion, requiring minimal clearance compared to manual telescoping mechanisms or handles that need extensive free space for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulky manual mechanical systems (telescoping front parts, large handles) are replaced with a compact electromechanical system. The sensor and actuator mechanism requires significantly less space than the manual systems described in the background art.
3Ease of operation
If automated motorized actuation is used to open and close the brewing device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex motorized actuation system is extracted and applied only to the cover mechanism, while the rest of the brewing device remains relatively simple. The automation is selectively applied to the specific function of opening and closing the cover rather than automating the entire brewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects capsule insertion, triggers the cover opening/closing sequence, and potentially monitors the brewing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for preparing a beverage from at least one ingredient (2) comprises: an ingredient processing module (3); an ingredient passage (4) having an ingredient mouth (41) for inserting along an insertion direction (42) an ingredient from outside such machine (1) into the ingredient processing module; and a cover (5) pivotable between a position covering the ingredient passage and a position uncovering the ingredient passage, The cover (5) is pivotable about a pivoting axis (51) that is generally parallel to the insertion direction (42) and/or that is generally perpendicular to the mouth (41) of the passage (4).