Pivoting Receptacle Holder With Fixed Piercer for Centrifugal Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face challenges in maintaining a robust closure system that resists axial and radial forces generated by centrifugal pressure, leading to premature wear of load support mechanisms and increased costs due to the need for complex and robust designs.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle holding unit with a piercing device featuring off-axis piercing elements and a locking mechanism that prevents relative rotation between parts, ensuring secure closure and reducing mechanical stress on support structures, allowing for efficient beverage preparation without tearing the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust closure system is used to resist axial and radial forces from centrifugal pressure, then the closure reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into modular components: a closure member with engagement features that can independently resist axial and radial forces, separate from the bearing support structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is pre-configured with engagement features (teeth, ramps, or bayonet mechanisms) that automatically engage with the receptacle holder before centrifugal forces act on the system. This preliminary engagement ensures the closure is securely locked in place before operational stresses are applied, eliminating the need for overly complex locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a robust closure system is used to resist axial and radial forces from centrifugal pressure, then the closure reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the closure system into independent, standardized components, each part can be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled. This reduces tooling costs and allows for economies of scale in component production, lowering overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex robust closure system and then trying to simplify manufacturing, the invention inverts the approach by using simple, geometrically straightforward engagement features (such as interlocking teeth or bayonet-style connections) that are inherently easy to manufacture while providing robust closure under centrifugal loads.
3Reliability
If load support mechanisms are made more robust to handle centrifugal forces, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the closure mechanism and assigned to dedicated roller bearings that support the rotating receptacle holder. This separation allows the closure system to be simplified while the bearing system is independently optimized for handling axial and radial loads, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Roller bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the rotating receptacle holder and the stationary housing. These bearings specifically handle the axial and radial forces generated during centrifugal operation, protecting the closure mechanisms from excessive wear and reducing the complexity of the overall load support system.
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 effectively maintains a secure closure of the receptacle during centrifugation, reducing mechanical stress and wear on support structures, thereby enhancing the durability and cost-effectiveness of the device while ensuring efficient beverage extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a piercing device having at least one piercing element off said axis for piercing the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
rotating the receptacle at sufficient speed to ensure interaction of the liquid with the ingredient while creating a gradient of pressure of liquid in the receptacle. Such pressure increases gradually from the centre towards the periphery of the receptacle
Implementation Method 3
a locking mechanism that prevents relative rotation between parts, ensuring secure closure and reducing mechanical stress on support structures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4a
AI summary
A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2) comprises: -a first part (10) with a first engagement arrangement (11); -a second part (20) that has a second engagement arrangement (21) pivotally movable relative to the first engagement arrangement (11) about a longitudinal axis (1') between a closed position for holding the receptacle in such unit and an open position for inserting the receptacle into such unit and/or for removal therefrom; and -a piercing device (20C) having at least one piercing element (29) for piercing the receptacle (2), this device being assembled to and held by the second part. At least one piercing element (29) is off this axis (1') and is angularly fixed relative to the first part (10) about this axis (1') when the second engagement arrangement (21) is pivotally moved relative to the first engagement arrangement (11) about this axis (1') between the closed and open positions.