Spindle brewing unit with improved forced control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automatic coffee machines with spindle brewing units face challenges in reliability and manufacturing costs due to limitations in the design of the latching mechanism between the threaded spindle and the brewing chamber.
Innovation Solution
The latching hook can be deflected in two different directions, allowing it to perform the function of a clutch in one direction and potentially activate or deactivate another component, such as a pawl or valve, with minimal additional technical effort, enhancing the machine's reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the latching hook is designed to deflect in only one direction, then the clutch activation function is simple and reliable, but the device requires additional components to perform additional functions
Solution Approach 1:
The latching hook is designed to perform multiple functions by deflecting in two different directions. When deflected in the first direction, it activates or deactivates the clutch. When deflected in the second direction, it activates or deactivates another component such as a pawl or valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
2Reliability
If the latching mechanism uses a single-direction deflection design, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the reliability and functional efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latching hook integrates multiple functions into a single component that can be manufactured using standard processes. The spring-loaded design with two deflection directions allows one component to perform the work of multiple components, improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to perform additional functions, then the functional capability is enhanced, but the device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a single latching hook. The latching hook combines clutch activation, pawl activation, and valve activation capabilities in one component, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hook is designed as a universal component that can activate or deactivate multiple different components (clutch, pawl, valve) depending on its deflection direction, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
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 design improvement allows for a more reliable and cost-effective fully automatic coffee machine by enabling the latching hook to perform multiple functions with reduced noise and increased structural flexibility, while maintaining a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a latching hook (32e) which can be deflected in two different directions when the automatic clutch is actuated as intended
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3d
Figure 3e~3h
AI summary
A fully automatic coffee machine, particularly for household purposes, comprising a spindle brewing unit (1) with a brewing chamber (10), a threaded spindle (20) for driving the brewing chamber (10) via a brewing chamber support (12) of the brewing chamber (10) as a spindle nut, and a housing (50), wherein the brewing chamber (10) is arranged laterally next to the threaded spindle (20) such that it is pivotable in a pivoting direction (S) orthogonal to the spindle axis (A) and movable in a travel direction (F) parallel to the spindle axis (A), a flange (22; 22e) at a lower end (24) of the threaded spindle (20), and a detachable coupling (30; 30e) between the threaded spindle (20) and the brewing chamber (10), which is coupled for pivoting and is designed for automatic actuation by means of locking means (32; 32e; 34; 34e) as a positive-locking coupling (30;30e) between the threaded spindle (20) and the brewing chamber (10) comprises, namely a spring-mounted locking hook (32; 32e) projecting axially from the threaded spindle (20) or the brewing chamber support (12) and a locking lug (34; 34e) on the brewing chamber support (12) or on the threaded spindle (20), a circumferentially inclined locking surface (36; 36e) on one of the two locking means (32; 32e; 34; 34e), a contact surface (40; 40e) corresponding to the locking surface (36; 36e) on the other locking means (32; 32e; 34; 34e), a fixed support surface (52; 52e) on the housing (50) for supporting the locking hook (32; 32e) for activating the coupling (30; 30e) as well as a stop (38; 38e) projecting axially from the flange (22; 22e) and a shear surface (42; 42e) cooperating with the stop (38; 38e) on the brewing chamber carrier (12), is further developed by a locking hook (32e) which, when actuated as intended, can be deflected in two different directions (M; N).