Assembly for a machine for making infused beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines, such as espresso machines, have infusion groups that are often fixed and difficult to dismantle, making maintenance, cleaning, and recycling challenging, which does not meet eco-design requirements and increases manufacturing and recycling costs.
Innovation Solution
A removable infusion group assembly with locking and actuation mechanisms that allow for easy separation from the machine frame, utilizing a bolt-and-striker locking system and hydraulic connectors, enabling simplified assembly and disassembly without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the infusion group is fixed to the machine frame in a non-removable manner, then the machine structure is simplified and more stable, but the machine becomes difficult to dismantle for maintenance, cleaning, and recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate components: locking members (bolts) carried by the infusion group and complementary locking members (strikers) carried by the receptacle. This segmentation allows the infusion group to be securely locked during operation yet easily separated when needed, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The locking members can move between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the machine structure to adapt between operational stability and maintenance accessibility states.
2Ease of repair
If a large number of removable fasteners such as screws and nuts are used to allow disassembly, then the infusion group can be dismantled, but the number of assembly steps and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated locking system with coordinated locking members and strikers. This consolidation reduces the number of separate fastening operations required, significantly decreasing assembly and disassembly time while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-and-nut mechanical fastening system is replaced with a simplified locking mechanism using locking members that engage with complementary strikers. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners and reduces the complexity and time of assembly operations.
3Ease of repair
If traditional removable fasteners are used, then the infusion group can be disassembled, but manufacturing and recycling costs increase due to the complexity of assembly and dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed with simple, inexpensive locking members and complementary strikers that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach reduces manufacturing costs compared to complex fastener systems while enabling easy disassembly for recycling at the end of the machine's life.
4Strength
If the locking system uses multiple locking members and complementary locking members, then the locking force is balanced and the connection is stronger, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members and complementary locking members are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide balanced locking force distribution. The specific shapes and positions of these components create symmetrical force balance despite the asymmetric individual element designs, achieving strong secure connection without excessive complexity.
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
Facilitates easy maintenance, cleaning, and recycling of the infusion group, reducing costs and improving eco-friendliness by allowing for straightforward disassembly and reassembly, while maintaining the machine's structural integrity under high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
locking means comprising at least one locking member forming a bolt and at least one complementary locking member forming a striker
Implementation Method 2
the group comprises at least one hydraulic connector and the receptacle comprises at least one complementary connector to ensure the hydraulic supply of the group
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly (100), formed by a removable infusion unit (1) and the supporting or locking elements thereof, for a machine for preparing beverages by means of the extraction of a product to be infused. The assembly (100) includes a container (3) intended to be solidly connected to the machine and configured to removably receive the infusion unit (1). The assembly also includes means (10, 15, 16) for locking the unit (1) onto the container (3) and actuation means (5, 6) which are supported by either the unit (1) or the container (3) and which control the locking means (10, 15, 16). Said assembly is arranged such that: in a position in which the actuation means (5, 6) are deactivated, the locking means (10, 15, 16) prevent the unit (1) from being disconnected from the container (3); and, in a position in which the actuation means (5, 6) are activated, the locking means (10, 15, 16) allow the unit (1) to be disconnected from the container (3). The invention is suitable for use in machines for preparing espresso-type drinks by extracting a product to be infused.