A tap
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Solution Overview
Problem
In smaller kitchens, the space taken up by bulky kitchen devices like kettles and coffee makers, along with the need for frequent cleaning, is a concern, and existing solutions like boiler taps only partially address the space issue while not integrating beverage making capabilities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A water tap assembly that combines a mains-connected water dispensing system with a beverage making section, featuring a boiler unit, flow regulator, and a design allowing for the insertion of ingredients, with a bypass mechanism to maintain regular water dispensing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate appliances like kettles and coffee makers are used, then beverage preparation functionality is provided, but significant worktop space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a water tap with a beverage making section into a single integrated unit. The beverage making section includes a cavity for holding beverage ingredients and is fed by a boiler unit connected to the water supply, allowing the tap to dispense both drinking water and prepared beverages from one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The water tap is designed to perform multiple functions: it can dispense cold drinking water through the first conduit, hot water through the second conduit, and prepared beverages through the beverage making section. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate appliances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bulky appliances are used for beverage preparation, then beverage making capabilities are provided, but frequent cleaning is required to avoid residue buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage making section is designed as a removable component that can be detached from the water tap. This allows the beverage making section to be easily removed for cleaning, and the cavity can be accessed through a sealable access aperture for thorough cleaning without disassembling the entire tap assembly.
3Area of stationary object
If a boiler tap is installed to eliminate kettles, then space is saved, but beverage making capabilities are not effectively integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a beverage making section directly into the boiler tap structure. The beverage making section includes a cavity for holding beverage ingredients and is fed by the boiler unit, combining water heating and beverage preparation functions in one integrated system.
4Ease of operation
If multiple conduits are used to separate water supply and boiler return, then water flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second conduit carrying boiler return water is nested within the first conduit that carries cold water supply. This nested arrangement allows both conduits to occupy the same space, reducing the overall footprint of the tap assembly while maintaining separate water pathways for different functions.
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 integrated solution reduces the need for separate appliances, saves space, and allows for easy cleaning and versatile beverage preparation without the risk of leakage or contamination, while providing adjustable temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a boiler unit that is fed from the water supply inlet and that returns water to the water tap
Implementation Method 2
a flow regulator for regulating the flow of water through the water tap from the water supply inlet to the water tap outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A mains connectable water tap comprising a water supply inlet, a tap outlet and a flow regulator for regulating the flow of water through the water tap from the water supply inlet to the tap outlet. The tap further comprises a beverage making section, which has an inlet, a cavity section having a sealable access aperture therein and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet via the cavity section and the sealable access aperture provides access to the cavity to allow the insertion or removal of beverage ingredients.