Beverage Machine Pivoting Cover Panel for Dishwasher-Safe Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face challenges in efficient cleaning due to the use of high-quality materials for the cover panel, which are damaged by dishwasher cleaning and require manual cleaning, increasing user effort.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a cover panel connected to the housing via a pivoting device, allowing the cover panel to be pivoted about a pivot axis, enabling it to be removed separately from the container for cleaning, and allowing all removable parts to be made from dishwasher-safe materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the cover panel is made from high-quality materials to match the housing wall aesthetically, then the appearance quality is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates because these materials cannot withstand dishwasher cleaning and require manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is separated from the container assembly and attached directly to the housing via a pivoting device. This segmentation allows the cover panel to remain on the machine during container removal and cleaning, enabling it to be made from aesthetically pleasing materials that do not need to withstand dishwasher cleaning, while the container and carrier can be made from dishwasher-safe materials.
2Device complexity
If the cover panel is attached to the container carrier to simplify assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates because the cover panel must be removed together with the container for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is detached from the container carrier and reattached to the housing structure. This creates independent functional units: the cover panel remains fixed to the housing for aesthetic purposes, while the container and carrier form a separate removable assembly that can be cleaned in a dishwasher without affecting the cover panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the cover panel and the housing. It allows the cover panel to be firmly attached to the housing while enabling easy pivoting movement for opening and closing, and crucially, allows the cover panel to remain on the machine while the container is removed for cleaning.
3Reliability
If the cover panel is firmly attached to the housing to ensure stability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the cover panel cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel attachment is made dynamic through the pivoting device. Instead of a fixed rigid attachment, the pivoting device allows the cover panel to rotate about a pivot axis, transitioning between a closed position (covering the opening) and an open position (allowing container access). This provides both firm attachment when closed and easy adjustability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting device with spring element enables the cover panel to automatically return to its closed position after being opened. The spring provides a restoring force that self-closes the cover panel, reducing the effort required by the user and ensuring the opening is automatically covered after container insertion or removal.
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
Facilitates easy and time-saving cleaning by allowing the cover panel to remain on the machine during container removal, enabling all parts to be cleaned in a dishwasher, reducing user effort and ensuring the cover panel's durability.
Implementation Method 1
The cover panel is connected to the housing via a pivoting device, so that the cover panel can be pivoted about a pivot axis and can be moved between a first position and a second position by pivoting about this pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
A spring element is arranged such that a first section of the spring element is attached to the second lever arm at a distance from the axis of rotation and a second section of the spring element is fixed relative to the first lever arm and/or to the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) for brewed beverages, comprising a housing (10) having a housing wall (11) that surrounds an inner space (10A) and has an opening (11A); a brewing device (20) arranged in the inner space (10A) for brewing a quantity of a solid material accommodated by the brewing device (20), wherein the quantity of the solid material can be output from the brewing device (20); a movable container (30) for receiving a quantity of the solid material output from the brewing device (20), which container (30) can be brought into the inner space (10A) through the opening (11A); a movable cover plate (50) for covering the opening (11A), which cover plate (50) in a first position (50A) covers at least one region of the opening (11A), and which in a second position (50B) uncovers the opening (11A). The cover plate (50) is connected to the housing (10) via a pivoting device (65) so that the cover plate (50) is movable between the first position (50A) and the second position (50B) by pivoting about a pivot axis (60).