Tilted Capsule Dispensing Assembly for Compact Beverage Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines with capsule assemblies are bulky, inflexible in accommodating different capsule profiles, and prone to beverage stagnation, with difficulties in correctly positioning capsules and limited compatibility with soluble product dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a tilted dispensing assembly that allows for flexible use of various capsule profiles, featuring a guiding mechanism and movable containing means to ensure proper capsule alignment and drainage, enabling efficient use of different capsule types and preventing beverage stagnation through angled positioning and drainage mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispensing assembly is positioned horizontally with vertically inserted capsules, then the capsule can be easily inserted and removed by gravity, but the machine becomes bulky and cannot be efficiently combined with soluble product dispensing assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal dispensing assembly to a substantially vertical arrangement where the capsule insertion axis is angled at 45-60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. This dimensional reorientation allows the capsule to be inserted from above while maintaining compact footprints, enabling efficient space utilization when combining capsule and soluble product dispensing assemblies within the same machine housing.
2Device complexity
If the capsule is inserted vertically into the assembly, then the assembly structure is simplified, but the capsule becomes tilted and requires additional straightening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means are pre-configured with angled surfaces and geometric constraints that automatically align the capsule to the correct insertion position during the insertion process itself. The capsule's flange geometry is designed to engage with corresponding features in the guiding means, ensuring proper orientation is achieved as a preliminary step before the capsule reaches the brewing chamber, eliminating the need for separate straightening mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the dispensing assembly uses a fixed capsule positioning mechanism, then the structure is stable, but the machine cannot accommodate different capsule profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means and containing means are designed with universal geometric features that can accommodate multiple capsule profiles. The guiding means include adjustable or multi-position engagement surfaces that can adapt to different flange diameters and capsule lengths. The containing means feature adjustable clamping mechanisms that can securely hold various capsule sizes while maintaining sealing effectiveness, allowing a single assembly design to serve multiple capsule types.
4Volume of moving object
If the dispensing assembly is positioned vertically, then space is saved for other components, but beverage stagnation may occur without adequate drainage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric drainage features including a drainage hole positioned at a specific angular location on the capsule relative to the vertical axis, and a corresponding drainage channel in the containing means that is offset from the centerline. This asymmetric configuration, combined with the 45-60 degree insertion angle, creates a gravity-assisted drainage path that efficiently removes residual beverage from the capsule after dispensing, preventing stagnation while maintaining the compact vertical assembly structure.
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
The machine achieves space efficiency, flexible compatibility with diverse capsules, and effective drainage of remaining beverages, enhancing usability and reducing maintenance issues related to beverage stagnation.
Implementation Method 1
the tilted position allows draining the beverage remained in the capsule when the beverage dispensing is ended
Data Source
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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.