Integrated Beverage Interface for One-Handed Height and Cycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines for professional use, such as espresso machines, lack an integrated and ergonomic interface for simultaneously controlling beverage preparation cycles and adjusting the height of beverage discharge, leading to complex and inefficient operation during intense use periods.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with an integrated use interface featuring concentrically disposed actuation parts, where one part acts as a pressure or rotation button for cycle initiation and another part rotates to adjust discharge height, forming a continuous body and interacting with support elements for independent movement, simplifying the operation by combining essential control functions in a single, easy-to-handle unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate actuation means and beverage discharge are used, then each function can be independently controlled, but the operation complexity increases and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation means and beverage discharge into a single integrated handle interface. The actuation element is positioned within the handle body, and the beverage discharge nozzle is integrated into the same component, allowing both control and discharge functions to be performed through one unified interface rather than separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the actuation mechanism for beverage preparation cycles, the discharge nozzle for beverage delivery, and the structural element for user handling. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuation means and discharge components.
2Productivity
If multiple separate controls are provided, then each function can be precisely controlled, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the actuation element and beverage discharge into one integrated handle, the user can initiate beverage preparation and control discharge simultaneously through a single component, eliminating the time required to operate separate controls sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated handle is designed so that the actuation element is pre-positioned within the handle body, and the beverage discharge nozzle is pre-configured in the same component. This preliminary integration means that when the user grasps the handle, both functions are immediately available without requiring additional setup or adjustment time.
3Ease of operation
If actuation means are disposed in frontal zone and beverage discharge in distant construction element, then functional separation is achieved, but the ergonomic handling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation means and beverage discharge into the same handle component, positioning both functions within easy reach of the user's hand. This eliminates the spatial separation between controls and discharge, allowing ergonomic one-handed operation while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging controls and discharge in different spatial locations (separated by distance), the invention reorganizes them within the same dimensional space (the handle body), using internal positioning and integration to accommodate multiple functions in a compact, ergonomically accessible configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
AI summary
The present invention refers to a beverage preparation machine (1), such as for example espresso coffee, in general, and to an integrated use interface (7) of said beverage preparation machine (1), in particular. Said integrated use interface (7) is provided as an element configured in such a way as best adjusted to the human hand and combines beverage discharge means (5) and actuation means (6), such that it provides at least the actuation of each beverage preparation cycle and the regulation of the height of the beverage discharge (5). The present invention further refers to a process for operating a beverage preparation machine (1) presenting an integrated use interface (7) according to the present invention.