Removable Beverage Ingredient Container With Auto-Closing Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face issues with powder dispersal during manual maintenance, leading to machine fouling and hygiene problems, as well as risk of container breakage due to over-dosage or lack of supply in supply channels, and lack of automation for container replacement.
Innovation Solution
A container with a removable design equipped with safety means, including a lever-connected valve system that automatically closes during removal, preventing powder leakage and allowing for automated installation and operation, featuring an auger screw for controlled substance delivery and deviating means for external handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is made removable for maintenance and cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but powder dispersal and machine fouling occur during manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The container is equipped with an automatic closing device that activates when the container is removed from the machine. This preliminary action ensures the outlet is sealed before the container is fully removed, preventing powder dispersal during manual handling while maintaining ease of removal for maintenance and cleaning operations
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of the container is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but hygiene conditions deteriorate due to direct contact with powdery product
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic closing device seals the outlet before the container is fully removed, creating a closed system that prevents direct contact between the powdery product and the operator's hands, thereby maintaining hygiene conditions while still allowing manual handling for replacement and maintenance
3Ease of operation
If the container outlet remains open during removal, then ease of operation is improved, but powder loss and machine fouling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic closing device activates as the container is removed from the machine, sealing the outlet before the container is fully extracted. This preliminary closing action prevents powder loss during handling while maintaining the simplicity of container removal operations
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 the container is securely closed during handling, preventing powder dispersal and machine fouling, enhancing hygiene and reducing the risk of breakage, while enabling automated replacement and improved system reliability and automation.
Implementation Method 1
batching means (310) adapted to push a controlled amount of substance outside the container (300)
Data Source
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AI summary
A container (300) of a substance of ingredients for preparing beverages is described, of a type extractable from a seat to allow its filling, replacement, maintenance and cleaning activities, such container (300) comprising batching means (310) adapted to push a controlled amount of substance outside the container (300) and deviating means (320) adapted to address the substance towards external containers, such container (300) comprising safety means (330) adapted to open the container (300) itself to be able to block it in its own seat and to close it to be able to remove it from its own seat.