Bayonet-Assembled Flowmeter for Error-Proof Beverage Machine Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for beverage preparation machines face challenges with high costs, complex assembly processes, and accuracy issues due to friction surfaces and multiple assembly orientations, which lead to assembly mistakes and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter design featuring a bayonet connector with interconnecting securing parts of different dimensions, ensuring only one correct assembly orientation without additional alignment parts, and using food-safe materials like POM and PBT with low friction and abrasion rates for precise manufacturing and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple assembly hooks are used to ensure secure connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the securing parts of different kinds - specifically, one securing part has a hook shape while the other has a corresponding receptacle shape, creating an asymmetric connection that provides secure attachment while simplifying the assembly process compared to symmetric multiple hooks
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assembly positions are provided, then the adaptability is improved, but assembly mistakes increase due to incorrect orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric design of the securing parts (hook and receptacle shapes) ensures that only one correct assembly orientation is possible, eliminating assembly mistakes while maintaining the bayonet connector's ability to provide secure connection
3Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment parts are added to ensure correct orientation, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function into the securing parts themselves - the asymmetric hook and receptacle shapes serve both as connection elements and as alignment guides, eliminating the need for separate alignment parts while ensuring correct assembly orientation
4Measurement precision
If diamond point bearings are used to support the rotatable shaft, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive diamond point bearings with simpler, more cost-effective bearing elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, maintaining sufficient measurement precision while significantly reducing manufacturing costs
5Strength
If a large friction surface is provided between fixed shaft and rotating measuring body, then the connection strength is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to friction variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the friction surface parameters - using a controlled, limited friction surface with appropriate surface treatment to maintain sufficient connection strength while minimizing friction variations that would affect measurement precision
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
AI summary
A flowmeter (1) comprises a housing (2,4) delimiting a measuring chamber (10). The housing is formed of a first body (4) and second body (2) that are assembled together by a bayonet connector having a number of pairs of interconnecting securing parts (25, 25', 25a, 26, 26', 26a, 45, 45', 45a). The pairs of securing parts are arranged so that the first and second bodies (2,4) are assemblable in only one position or in a number of different positions that is smaller than the number of pairs of interconnecting securing parts.