Device for dispensing beverages from capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines for capsules are bulky, inflexible in accommodating different capsule profiles, and prone to beverage stagnation, with difficulties in correctly positioning capsules and limited compatibility with soluble products.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a dispensing assembly having a tilted axis, allowing for space-saving integration of soluble products and flexible use of various capsule profiles, featuring guiding and retaining mechanisms that ensure proper capsule alignment and drainage of residual beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dispensing assembly uses a horizontal axis with vertically inserted capsules, then the capsule can be securely enclosed during dispensing, but the machine becomes bulky and incompatible with soluble products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by tilting the dispensing assembly axis at an angle of 10-45 degrees relative to the vertical axis, transforming the static horizontal-axis configuration into a dynamic angled configuration. This angular adjustment allows the capsule to be inserted vertically while the containing means engage at an optimized angle, securing the capsule firmly during dispensing while reducing the overall machine footprint and enabling integration with soluble product assemblies
2Ease of operation
If the capsule is inserted vertically into the assembly, then the insertion is simple, but the capsule remains tilted and requires straightening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the containing means with asymmetric engagement surfaces that match the tilted insertion angle of the capsule. The first and second containing means have angled contact surfaces that naturally guide and position the capsule at the correct orientation during insertion, eliminating the need for separate straightening mechanisms while maintaining simple vertical insertion
3Manufacturing precision
If the dispensing assembly is designed for a single capsule profile, then the capsule positioning is precise, but the machine lacks flexibility for different capsule types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the containing means with adjustable and adaptable engagement features that can accommodate multiple capsule profiles. The first and second containing means incorporate adjustable positioning elements and flexible engagement surfaces that maintain precise capsule positioning across different capsule types, allowing the same dispensing assembly to handle various capsule dimensions and shapes without sacrificing positioning accuracy
4Volume of moving object
If the assembly is positioned vertically, then the structure is compact, but beverage stagnation occurs after dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by tilting the dispensing assembly axis at an angle of 10-45 degrees relative to the vertical axis. This angular configuration creates a dynamic drainage pathway where residual beverage naturally flows away from the capsule outlet due to gravity acting on the tilted surface, preventing stagnation while maintaining a compact assembly footprint through optimized angular geometry
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
Enables efficient use of different capsule profiles, reduces bulkiness, and prevents beverage stagnation by allowing easy insertion and drainage, enhancing the machine's versatility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the tilted position allows draining the beverage remained in the capsule when the beverage dispensing is ended
Data Source
AI summary
Machine for preparing beverages from capsules, wherein the machine has a vertical axis (V-V) and comprises a dispensing assembly (1), the assembly in its turn comprising: means for containing a capsule (3), comprising a first element (4) and a second element (5) movable one respect to the other to define, in a closed position, a chamber for extracting the capsule, according to an axis (A-A) of said means; guiding means (2) for inserting the capsule (3) inside said assembly (1), and for retaining it in an intermediate position, different from the extraction position of the beverage; and ducts for feeding an infusion fluid into said capsule and dispensing a beverage from said capsule, characterized in that said axis (A-A) of the containing means (4, 5) of the capsule (3) is tilted with respect to the vertical axis (V-V) of the machine of an angle (α) lower than 45 degrees.