Single-Serve Pod Ejection Using Preloaded Spring Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage dispensing machines face issues with inconsistent pod ejection due to operator-dependent force and high complexity/cost of motor-driven mechanisms, leading to partial ejection or jamming.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism utilizing stored energy, triggered by operator action, to automatically eject and return the pod or capsule using non-powered driving elements like springs, eliminating reliance on operator force and motor-driven systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If operator-driven ejection mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ejection consistency and reliability deteriorate due to operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to a specific compression state before ejection, storing predetermined energy that ensures consistent ejection force regardless of operator action. The pre-compressed spring releases this stored energy automatically when triggered, eliminating variability from manual operation while maintaining simple mechanical structure.
2Reliability
If motor-driven ejection apparatus is used, then ejection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a spring-based mechanical energy storage and release system. This substitution eliminates motors, power supplies, and control electronics while achieving reliable ejection through pre-loaded spring energy, thereby reducing complexity and cost while maintaining consistency.
3Ease of manufacture
If operator-driven ejection is used, then cost is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated actions and cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded with sufficient energy to guarantee complete pod ejection in a single rapid action, eliminating the need for repeated ejection attempts. This preliminary energy storage ensures that even in worst-case scenarios, the stored energy is adequate to eject the pod fully, preventing jams and reducing cleaning requirements while maintaining simple, low-cost mechanical construction.
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
Ensures consistent and efficient ejection of used pods or capsules without operator variability and reduces the complexity and cost associated with motor-driven apparatus, ensuring proper disposal and return to the brewing area.
Implementation Method 1
The first driving element can comprise, as a non-limiting example, a spring of a variety of types, e.g., compression, tension, torsion, clock type
Implementation Method 2
a resilient biasing element, e.g., compressible or stretchable polymeric body or band
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method of ejecting or removing a beverage pod or capsule from a brewer or other beverage dispensing machine, utilizes the release of a predetermined quantity of stored energy triggered or commenced by an operator action, to automatically rapidly move an element holding the pod or capsule from a brewing or beverage preparing area in a predetermined manner to eject the pod or capsule, then return the element absent the pod or capsule to the brewing or beverage preparing area by a suitable action, thereby eliminating variances in the disposal resulting from inconsistent operator action, and the cost and complexity of motor driven apparatus for performing the disposal and/or return actions.