Beverage Dispenser Movable Support with Cam-Guided Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines lack precise positioning of small cups below the dispensing nozzle, which can be accidentally moved or impacted, leading to instability and the need for repositioning, especially in professional settings where time is critical.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing machine with a movable support that has stable positions, guided by a cam device and spring mechanism, allowing it to automatically return to a stable position after minor disturbances, ensuring consistent placement of small or large containers without manual repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed support is used for small cups below the dispensing nozzle, then the positioning is stable, but it cannot accommodate larger containers or be easily moved for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate between a first position for small cups and a second position for large cups. The cam device with stable positions provides dynamic positioning control, enabling the support to adapt to different container sizes while maintaining stability during dispensing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable support is used that can be freely moved, then it can accommodate different container sizes, but it lacks precise positioning and can be accidentally displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam device provides mechanical feedback through stable positions that the support automatically returns to. When the support is displaced from a stable position, the cam geometry guides it back, providing self-correcting feedback that ensures precise positioning without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is self-regulating through the cam mechanism. When accidentally displaced, the support automatically returns to its stable position without external intervention. The cam geometry itself provides the restoring force, making the system self-correcting and eliminating the need for additional positioning mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable support is used for small cups, then it can be repositioned for large containers, but it requires manual repositioning which wastes time in professional settings
Solution Approach 1:
The cam device pre-establishes stable positions for the support at both the first position (for small cups) and the second position (for large cups). These stable positions are prepared in advance by the cam geometry, allowing the support to be quickly and easily moved between positions without requiring precise manual adjustment or wasting time during operation.
4Measurement precision
If the support is fixed in position, then positioning is precise, but it cannot be moved for cleaning or accommodating large containers
Solution Approach 1:
The support transitions from a fixed to a movable design, but precision is maintained through the cam device's stable positions. The support can be easily moved between first and second positions for cleaning or different container types, while the cam mechanism ensures it returns to precise stable positions during operation, combining movability with positioning accuracy.
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 maintains stable positioning of small cups below the nozzle, preventing accidental displacement and allowing easy switching to accommodate larger containers or cleaning, enhancing user efficiency and convenience, particularly in professional environments.
Implementation Method 1
spring mechanism
Implementation Method 2
cam device
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing machine has an outlet device for dispensing a beverage and a movable support for supporting a container. The movable support movably supports the beverage dispensing machine at least from a first small container position at least partially placed below the outlet device for receiving the beverage in a small container resting on the movable support to a second large container position moved away from below the outlet device for positioning a large container below the outlet device. A cam device guides rotation of the movable support between the first small container position and the second large container position, and vice versa. The first small container position and the second large container position are stable positions separated from each other by at least one unstable position which, without external forces, causes the movable support to return to a closest stable position between the first small container position and the second large container position.