Beverage Machine Adjustable Suction System for Dust and Steam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face limitations in their suction systems, which are not versatile enough to handle different types of soluble products, leading to inadequate suction flow that results in steam and dust cloud issues, such as clogging and waste, regardless of the beverage prepared.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a suction apparatus featuring a closure element that can be positioned in multiple settings to adjust the suction flow, allowing for optimal dust and steam removal regardless of the product type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the suction power is increased to improve dust and steam removal, then the suction flow increases, but soluble product is also suctioned into the mixing chamber causing waste and quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The suction opening is made variable in size through a closure element that can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the suction apparatus to dynamically adapt its suction power to match the specific requirements of different soluble products and beverage types, thereby preventing both excessive suction of product and insufficient removal of dust and steam
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the suction opening size is increased to improve dust and steam aspiration, then the suction flow increases, but soluble product is also drawn into the mixing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element enables dynamic adjustment of the suction opening size, transforming a static suction apparatus into an adaptable system that can optimize its performance for different soluble products and beverage preparation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The size of the suction opening is changed as a variable parameter through the closure element, allowing the suction flow characteristics to be modified according to the specific needs of different products being processed
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the suction fan power is increased to ensure adequate dust and steam removal, then the suction flow increases, but more soluble product is wasted due to excessive suction
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing fan power, the invention dynamically adjusts the suction opening size to match the actual suction needs, thereby avoiding energy waste on unnecessary product suction while maintaining effective dust and steam removal
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 provides adjustable suction to effectively manage steam and dust clouds for various products, improving beverage quality and reducing waste, while being economically competitive.
Implementation Method 1
a suction apparatus, for aspirating said dust and/or steam clouds that exit from the mixing chamber, such suction apparatus comprising normally a suction box, provided with an opening which faces the mixing chamber and connected by means of a tube to a suction fan
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for the automatic dispensing of beverages obtained from soluble products, such as milk, chocolate, tea, coffee, or the like, comprising: at least one mixing chamber (20), in which a soluble product is mixed with water; one or more ports (81) for feeding the soluble product, which are configured to convey the soluble product to the mixing chamber (20); at least one duct (33) for feeding water to the mixing chamber (20); a suction apparatus (5) configured to aspirate dust and/or steam from the mixing chamber (20); wherein the suction apparatus (5) comprises at least one suction port (60), which is in fluid communication with a flow generation device (51) configured to create a suction flow; the suction apparatus (5) comprises a closure element (40) which is associated with the suction port (60) and can be arranged selectively at least in: - a minimum-opening or closed position, in which it closes completely the suction port (60) or leaves free a minimum opening therein, - a maximum-opening position, in which it frees a maximum opening in the suction port (60), - at least one intermediate position, in which it closes the suction port (60) partially, leaving free in the suction port (60) an opening that is smaller than the maximum opening and larger than the minimum opening.