Beverage machine having a granular material dispenser and a liquid dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines, such as coffee machines, require significant user interaction for switching between filling and brewing configurations, which can be burdensome and inconsistent in result quality.
Innovation Solution
A beverage machine with a hydraulic mechanism in the liquid dispenser that moves the brewing vessel and granular material outlet relative to each other, allowing automatic switching between filling and brewing configurations without additional electrical components, using a locking mechanism and hydraulic system to facilitate this transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fully automatic espresso machine is used to automate all brewing steps, then user time is saved and consistent results are achieved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brewing vessel assembly and granular material outlet into a single integrated unit that moves together as one. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to control the brewing vessel and material outlet independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full automation of the brewing process
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing vessel assembly serves multiple functions: it receives granular material from the outlet, holds the material during brewing, and receives liquid from the liquid dispenser. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving full automation
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for switching between filling and brewing configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but user burden increases and results become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing vessel assembly automatically moves between filling and brewing configurations based on the operational state of the machine. The system self-regulates the position of the brewing vessel without requiring user intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing vessel assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, moving automatically between different positions (filling configuration and brewing configuration) based on the operational requirements. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for manual switching operations while keeping the device structure simple
3Ease of operation
If the brewing vessel assembly moves automatically between configurations, then ease of operation is improved, but additional components are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brewing vessel assembly with the granular material outlet, causing them to move together as a single unit. This integration means that one movement mechanism controls both components simultaneously, avoiding the need for separate actuators and control systems for each component, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity
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
Reduces user involvement and ensures consistent brewing results by automating the transition between filling and brewing configurations, minimizing manual effort and potential inconsistencies.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid dispenser having a liquid outlet and a hydraulic system for delivering liquid into the brewing vessel via the liquid outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a beverage machine (100), such as a coffee machine. The beverage machine includes a brewing vessel assembly (101) that comprises a brewing vessel (102). The beverage machine also includes a granular material dispenser (105) having a granular material outlet through which granular material is dispensable into the brewing vessel, and a liquid dispenser (110) having a liquid outlet and a hydraulic system for delivering liquid into the brewing vessel via the liquid outlet. The brewing vessel assembly and the liquid outlet are moveable relative to each other to enable adoption of a brewing configuration in which the brewing vessel is arranged to receive the liquid via the liquid outlet. The hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic mechanism that is moveable via movement of liquid in the hydraulic system to cause the brewing vessel assembly and the granular material outlet to move away from each other during adoption of the brewing configuration.