Beverage Module Interface Damping for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines experience significant noise and discomfort due to vibrations from components like pumps, which are difficult to mitigate, especially when operating at varying frequencies or with changing masses, such as different cups or ingredient reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating dampening members with lower rigidity than the module interfaces, made of materials like silicone or rubber, to absorb and deform vibrations, preventing their transmission to auxiliary devices, such as cup supports or service devices, and reducing noise and mechanical shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dampening members are incorporated into the module interfaces, then vibration propagation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dampening members as intermediary elements between the module and auxiliary devices. These dampening members act as mediators that absorb and dissipate vibrations, preventing their propagation to auxiliary devices while maintaining the functional connection. This resolves the contradiction by adding a specialized component that specifically addresses vibration without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the module interfaces by incorporating materials with specific damping properties. The dampening members have controlled rigidity and damping characteristics that differ from the rigid module housing, creating a gradient in mechanical properties that reduces vibration transmission while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the machine structure is adjusted to change natural frequencies, then vibration resonance is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration control function from the main machine structure and relocates it to separate dampening members. Instead of redesigning the entire machine structure to avoid resonance, the solution isolates the damping function into discrete components that can be independently selected and installed, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving vibration control.
3Strength
If rigid connectors are used in module interfaces, then structural strength is maintained, but vibration transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by using rigid materials for the main module housing to maintain overall structural strength, while incorporating localized dampening members at specific interface points where vibration transmission occurs. This creates a hybrid structure with different mechanical properties in different locations, optimizing both strength and vibration control.
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
Effectively reduces the propagation of vibrations and noise, enhancing user experience by minimizing mechanical shocks and maintaining stability across various operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said module and device interfaces comprises one or more dampening members so arranged that the module and the auxiliary device are in direct mechanical contact only via the dampening member(s)
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating dampening members with lower rigidity than the module interfaces, made of materials like silicone or rubber, to absorb and deform vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a beverage preparation module (2) comprising a module interface (21′, 25, 26) and an auxiliary device (10) comprising a device interface (15, 16). The module and device interfaces being arranged for assembling the module (2) and the device (10) together. At least one of the module and device interfaces (15, 16, 21′, 25, 26) comprises one or more dampening members (21′) so arranged that the module (2) and the device (10) are in direct contact only via the dampening member(s) (21′) when the module (2) and device (10) are assembled together via the interfaces (15, 16, 21′, 25, 26).