Method for operating a drinks machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automatic coffee machines require manual placement of a container under the coffee outlet after a rinsing program to prevent rinsing water from entering the cup, which is inconvenient for unattended brewing.
Innovation Solution
A method where the coffee machine automatically moves a vessel to be filled under the coffee outlet after the rinsing program, allowing for unattended brewing without the need for manual placement, using a displaceable shelf driven by an automatic mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is placed under the beverage outlet before the rinsing program, then the rinsing water enters the container, but if the container is placed after the rinsing program, then manual intervention is required which prevents unattended brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the container under the beverage outlet after the rinsing program completes, enabling unattended brewing without manual intervention while ensuring the container is properly positioned to receive the beverage
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage dispensing system performs self-service by automatically moving the container into position without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in positioning the container for unattended brewing operations
2Extent of automation
If the container is manually placed under the beverage outlet, then unattended brewing is prevented, but if automatic placement is implemented, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable shelf serves multiple functions: it stores containers when not in use and automatically positions the container under the beverage outlet when needed, eliminating the need for separate manual placement while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is designed to be displaceable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between different positions (storage position and dispensing position) based on operational requirements, enabling automatic container positioning without complex mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A method for operating a beverage vending machine is described, comprising the following steps: Selecting operating parameters for a program designed to prepare a hot beverage using a mobile device. Transmitting the selected operating parameters to the beverage vending machine. Executing the program by the beverage vending machine based on the selected operating parameters, such that a rinsing program is performed before the program, a container (2) to be filled is automatically moved under a beverage outlet (1) of the beverage vending machine after the rinsing program and before the program, and then the program is executed. Furthermore, a system comprising a beverage vending machine and software is described, the software being configured to perform the aforementioned procedure.