Beverage Machine Cup Support with Self-Positioning Hook Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines face challenges in providing a simple, reliable, and inexpensive assembly and disassembly mechanism between the beverage preparation module and the cup support, particularly when handling cups of different sizes such as short and tall cups.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connector arrangement with converging hooks on the cup support and the machine's front face allows for self-positioning and easy assembly and disassembly, featuring a rear hook with a retaining element extending in converging directions and a front hook with a corresponding retaining element, enabling vertical or horizontal alignment for secure and effortless attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical connector arrangement with converging hooks is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converging hooks are designed to automatically self-position and self-align when the cup support is inserted into the beverage preparation module. The rear hook with retaining element engages with the front hook through a sliding motion, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex adjustment mechanisms, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector arrangement is divided into separate components: a rear hook with retaining element on the cup support and a corresponding front hook on the beverage preparation module. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing the desired self-positioning functionality through their interaction
2Ease of repair
If the cup support is made removable for cleaning, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connector arrangement transitions from a fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The retaining element can engage or disengage from the hook based on the insertion or removal of the cup support, allowing the system to adapt between stable operation mode and cleaning/maintenance mode, thus maintaining reliability during operation while enabling easy cleaning
3Ease of operation
If the retaining element extends in converging directions, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed with an asymmetric converging geometry where one side extends more prominently than the other. This asymmetry creates a natural guiding path that tolerates variations in manufacturing precision, as the converging shape inherently guides the cup support into correct alignment during insertion, reducing the stringency of manufacturing tolerances required
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (20, 30) having a front face (21) with an outlet (31) for dispensing a prepared beverage; and a cup support (10) located under the outlet (31) for placing a cup (2) under the outlet (31). The cup support (10) has a rear face (11) removably assembled to the front face (21) by a mechanical connector arrangement (12,22) that comprises a front hook (22) on the front face (21) disassemblable from a corresponding rear hook (12) on the rear face (11). The rear hook (12) has a retaining element (121) and the front hook (22) has a retaining element (221). The retaining elements (121,221) are mutually engaged when the cup support (10) is assembled to the front face (21) and disengaged when the cup support (10) is disassembled from the front face (21). The rear hook (12) with its retaining element (121) generally extends in cross-section along two converging directions (12', 12'') and the front hook (22) with its retaining element (221) generally extend in cross-section along two correspondingly converging directions (22', 22''), so as to facilitate self-positioning of the rear hook (12) relative to the front hook (22) when the cup support (10) is assembled to the front face (21).