Beverage machines with a removable module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development and maintenance of beverage production machines using modular, portioned ingredients are complex and costly, requiring a rationalization of production and maintenance processes while offering a range of functions and options for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with movable, exchangeable modules that can be easily inserted and removed from a housing, featuring a resilient connection system and a modular design allowing for different configurations, including a master and slave control arrangement, to facilitate easy maintenance and operation without the need for a front door, and incorporating features like electric and fluid connections, data transmission, and a cup support system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If beverage machines use modular exchangeable modules, then ease of maintenance and production rationalization are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage machine is divided into independent functional modules (beverage preparation module, milk module, water tank module) that can be independently removed and replaced. Each module is designed as a self-contained unit with its own housing and functional components, enabling easy maintenance without disassembling the entire machine.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal connector system is implemented that allows different module types to interface with the same base unit through standardized mechanical and electrical connections. The connector includes multiple contact points for power, data, and fluid connections that work across various module configurations.
2Ease of operation
If modules are designed to be easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates resilient elements (springs) that maintain constant contact pressure between mating connectors, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and wear over time. This ensures reliable electrical and fluid connections even after repeated insertion and removal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient connector acts as an intermediary between the fixed base unit and the removable module, providing both mechanical retention and reliable electrical/fluid contact. The spring-loaded design allows for easy insertion while maintaining secure connection during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and connection interfaces are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connector design integrates multiple connection functions (power, data, fluid) into one standardized interface that works across all module types. This eliminates the need for separate connectors for each function while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection functions (electrical contacts, fluid channels, mechanical retention) are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector housing combines guide elements, resilient contacts, and sealing elements into one unified component that simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 modular design simplifies the production and maintenance of beverage machines, enabling a variety of configurations with reduced complexity and cost, while providing efficient and user-friendly operation by allowing modules to be swapped independently without dismantling other parts, thus enhancing flexibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
At least one connector of the cooperating module connector and cavity connector has a connection interface device that is resiliently mounted to a connection base device, to enable a positioning adjustment of the interface device when the module connector and the cavity connector are connected together
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage machine (1) having an external housing (10) and a movable beverage preparation module (20, 30) that is configured to process a beverage and/or a beverage ingredient to be dispensed. The housing (10) has a front opening (10') and forms a cavity (10'') for housing the module (20, 30). The module (20, 30) is insertable as a unit into an operative position into the cavity (10'') and removable as a unit out of the cavity (10'') via the front opening (10'). The housing (10) has a cavity connector (11) in the cavity (10'') and the module (20, 30) has a module connector that is connected to the cavity connector (11) when the module (20, 30) is located there against while reaching its operative position and that is disconnected from the cavity connector (11) when the module (20,30) is removed from the cavity (10''). At least one (11) of the connectors has a connection interface device (11a) that is resiliently mounted to a connection base device (11b) to enable a positioning adjustement of the interface device (11a) when the module connector and the cavity connector (11) are connected together.