Beverage Machine Cup Support with Sliding Hook Connector Assembly
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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 retaining elements on the rear and front hooks allows for parallel sliding engagement and disengagement, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly of the cup support, which includes a removable placement platform with a liquid collection receptacle and fastening mechanisms like magnetic or friction fasteners to securely hold the platform in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed cup support is used, then the machine can only handle one cup size, but it cannot accommodate cups of different sizes (e.g., short espresso cups and tall mugs)
Solution Approach 1:
The cup support is divided into a fixed base portion and a removable platform portion. The platform can be detached and replaced with different height platforms to accommodate various cup sizes, while the base remains stationary and provides structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup support transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The removable platform allows the support height to be adjusted and changed based on the cup size being used, enabling the system to adapt to different requirements.
2Reliability
If a complex assembly mechanism is used, then the cup support can be securely attached, but the assembly and disassembly operations become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic fastening system replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, clips, or latches) with magnetic attraction. This allows the platform to be securely attached to the base through magnetic force while enabling simple one-handed assembly and disassembly by merely pulling the platform away.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality. When the platform is brought near the base, the magnetic force automatically guides and secures it in place without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening actions by the user.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cup support is made stationary, then structural stability is maintained, but residual liquids cannot be easily accessed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cup support into a stationary base and a removable platform, the design maintains the structural stability of the base while enabling easy access to the liquid collection area underneath the platform for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable platform can be easily detached and removed from the base, providing direct access to the liquid collection receptacle and drainage areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. This enables simple cleaning operations without disassembling the entire support structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a removable platform is added to handle different cup sizes, then cup size versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing complex mechanical fastening systems with magnetic attachment reduces the number of moving parts and structural elements required. The magnetic fasteners integrate seamlessly into the platform and base designs, adding minimal complexity while enabling the removable platform functionality.
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
This solution enables effortless assembly and disassembly of the cup support, minimizing exposure to residual liquids and providing a stable, user-friendly mechanism for handling cups of varying sizes without requiring complex operations, thus enhancing the usability and hygiene of beverage preparation machines.
Implementation Method 1
fastening mechanisms like magnetic or friction fasteners to securely hold the platform in place
Implementation Method 2
fastening mechanisms like magnetic or friction fasteners to securely hold the platform in place
Data Source
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) being 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 retaining element (121) of the rear hook (12) extends generally in parallel to the rear face (12) and the retaining element (221) of the front hook (22) extends generally in parallel to the front face (21), so that the rear face (11) and the front face (21) are relatively slid in parallel one over another to move the retaining elements (121,221): together from disengagement into mutual engagement to assemble the rear face (11) to the front face (21); and apart from mutual engagement into disengagement to disassemble the rear face (11) from the front face (21).