Single-Dose Support Actuation With Back-Pressure Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack an efficient and reliable solution for displacing single portion supports in a strip format using a single actuation device upstream of the extraction device, particularly for hermetic packages, which results in reduced movement transfer and increased construction complexity.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a back-pressure element opposing the actuation element to enhance traction transfer, allowing for a more reliable and flexible supply of single dose portions to the extraction device by applying a joint back-pressure force along the perimeter actuation surface, facilitating a change in direction and improving movement transfer without additional engagement elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuation device is used to displace single portion supports upstream of the extraction device, then device complexity is reduced, but movement transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The back-pressure element is positioned upstream of the single portion support to apply counter-pressure before the actuation element acts on it. This preliminary action creates optimal conditions for the actuation element to efficiently transfer movement to the support, resolving the contradiction between using a single actuation device and maintaining high movement transfer efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuation element operates in the direction opposite to gravity force, then the support can be displaced from vertical to horizontal direction, but the required actuation force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back-pressure element provides a counter-pressure force that works in conjunction with gravity to assist the actuation element. Instead of operating completely opposite to gravity, the system uses the back-pressure element to create a balanced force system that reduces the net actuation force required while maintaining the ability to change displacement direction from vertical to horizontal.
3Device complexity
If the back-pressure element exerts punctual force only, then the structure is simple, but movement transmission is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The back-pressure element is configured to exert pressure over an extended surface area rather than at a single punctual point. This merging of the pressure application zone along the extension of the perimeter actuation surface improves movement transmission efficiency by distributing the counter-pressure force, while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.
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
This configuration ensures a more efficient and reliable displacement of single portion supports, reducing construction complexity and enhancing the flexibility of beverage preparation processes by improving traction transfer and supporting the change in direction of the support, thus improving the overall machine's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The back-pressure element (62) is provided in direct opposition to said actuation element (61) so as to exerts a joint back-pressure upon said single portion support (21) along at least part of an extension of traction interaction of said perimeter actuation surface (63) with said single portion support (21)
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a machine (1) for preparing aromatic beverages by means of extraction, such as espresso coffee and similar, and adapted to supply a support (21) of single portions, comprising a plurality of single dose portions (22), to at least one extraction device (3) by means of an actuation device (6) disposed upstream of said extraction device (3) and comprising an actuation element (61) provided so that it can move said support (21) of single portions by means of rotation. In particular, said actuation device (6) further comprises a back-pressure element (62) that exerts a back-pressure upon said support (21) of single portions in the direction of said perimeter actuation surface (63), thereby providing greater operation reliability in the supply of said single dose portions (22) to an extraction device (3). The present invention further refers to a process of preparation of beverages based upon a machine (1) for preparing beverages of the type of the present invention.