Beverage Machine Cup Support with Magnetic Upward-Release Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines lack ergonomic and easily assembled cup supports, which can lead to instability during beverage preparation and potential spills due to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing machine with a cup support system featuring a disconnectable plug and socket arrangement, where the connection member and receiver are secured by magnetic constraints and gravity, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and adjustable positioning to accommodate various cup sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed cup support is used in beverage dispensing machines, then stability during beverage preparation is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cup support system is divided into separate components: a support body and a cup holder that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the cup holder to be easily attached and removed while the support body remains stable and fixed to the machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup support transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic assembly where the cup holder can be moved between attached and detached states. This dynamic capability enables easy cleaning, replacement, and maintenance while maintaining stability during operation through secure attachment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used for cup support, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability during vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection features are merged into a single integrated attachment mechanism. The cup holder incorporates both mechanical interlocking elements and magnetic attraction components that work together to provide secure attachment during vibrations while maintaining simple assembly through a single motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional purely mechanical connection systems are replaced or supplemented with magnetic constraints. The magnetic attraction provides continuous holding force that resists vibrational forces without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of assembly while improving reliability during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal cup support design is used, then adaptability to various cup sizes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The cup support features localized adjustment mechanisms at specific positions rather than requiring precision across the entire structure. The adjustable positioning system uses discrete stop positions or indexed locations that are easier to manufacture with standard tolerances, while still providing adaptability for different cup sizes through selective positioning.
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 a stable and secure cup support that prevents undesired disconnection during vibrations, ensuring efficient and ergonomic beverage dispensing with adjustable height settings and drop collection arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
the connection member and the connection receiver are secured by magnetic constraints
Implementation Method 2
the connection member and the connection receiver are secured by magnetic constraints and gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~6
AI summary
A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (2) includes: a beverage outlet (3) that is located above a dispensing area (4); a machine body or frame (5) having a first connecting part (51) and bearing the beverage outlet (3); and a recipient support (6) having a second connecting part (61) and a support member (62) held by the second connecting part (61). The second connecting part (61) is disconnectably connectable to the first connecting part (51) so that the support member (62) extends into the dispensing area (4) to support a beverage user-recipient (7) under the beverage outlet (3). The first connecting part (51) and the second connecting part (61) have a connection member and a connection receiver arrangement for disconnectably connecting the parts (51,61) such that: the first connecting part forms a connection member and the second connecting part forms a connection receiver; and/or the first connecting part (51) forms a connection receiver and the second connecting part (61) forms a connection member. The connection member is inserted in the connection receiver when the first and second connecting parts (51,61) are connected. The connection member is removed from the connection receiver along a removal direction (51') when the first and second connecting parts (51,61) are disconnected. The removal direction (51') has an upwardly directed vertical component (51'') when such machine (1) is in position to dispense the beverage (2).