Tilted Capsule Holding Arrangement for Compact Beverage Machine Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines with capsule systems face challenges in compact design and efficient capsule handling, leading to increased housing size and reduced dimensional flexibility due to fixed capsule extraction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a user-handle that pivots between two positions, allowing the capsule holding arrangement to tilt relative to the housing, reducing the volume occupied by the device and enabling a more compact design by angling the capsule holding mechanism, thus allowing for improved dimensional flexibility and reduced housing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fixed capsule extraction mechanism is used, then the machine structure is simple, but the housing size increases and dimensional flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule holding arrangement is made tiltable relative to the housing through a pivoting mechanism, allowing it to change orientation between a first position (for capsule insertion/removal) and a second position (for brewing). This dynamic adjustment enables compact housing design while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule holding arrangement operates in multiple spatial dimensions by tilting between different angular positions. This multi-dimensional movement allows the mechanism to achieve compact footprint in the housing while preserving access to capsule insertion passage and brewing functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If the capsule holding arrangement is tilted at an angle, then compact design is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism integrates the capsule holding arrangement with the brewing chamber formation, combining multiple functions into a single mechanical system. The pivot mechanism simultaneously controls both the tilting motion and the closing action, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting capsule holding arrangement serves multiple functions: it enables compact positioning, facilitates capsule insertion/removal through the passage, and creates the brewing chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting complexity increase.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned away from the capsule inlet passage, then user accessibility is improved, but the machine height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned in the vertical dimension away from the capsule inlet passage, allowing users to operate it from above without increasing the horizontal footprint or requiring additional vertical space. This spatial arrangement improves accessibility while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting capsule holding arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the handle's rotational motion to the brewing chamber closure. This intermediate mechanism allows the handle to be positioned optimally for user access while still effectively controlling the brewing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage machine (1) comprises a housing (2) with an outer face (3) extending along a generally straight axis (3') and a device (10) for extracting a capsule (50). The device (10) has a user-handle (20) pivotable between first and second positions about a pivoting axis (21) that is located at the outer face (3). The device further includes a capsule holding arrangement (11,12,13) having a longitudinal axis (10') and comprising a first part (11) and a second part (12) that are relatively movable generally along the longitudinal axis (10')from an open position into a closed position, by pivoting the user handle (20). A converter (16,17) is connected to the handle (20) and to at least one part (12) of the first and second parts (11,12) for converting movements of the handle (20) into corresponding relative movements of the first and second parts (11,12). The capsule holding arrangement (11,12,13) is tilted relative to the outer face (3) so that the longitudinal axis (10') is angled relative to the straight axis (3') whereby a first end (131) of the arrangement (11,12,13) facing the outer face (3) is at a first distance to the face's straight axis (3') and a second opposite end (132) of the arrangement (11,12,13) facing the outerface (3) is at a second distance to the face's straight axis (3'), the first distance being shorter than the second distance.