Beverage preparation machine equipped with a rotating stirring device and a coffee nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic coffee machines with separate 'coffee' and 'milk' areas are cumbersome and require user manipulation to position the coffee dispensing nozzle, making them less ergonomic and more complex in design.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a rotating stirring device that moves vertically between a standby and working position, allowing a single area for coffee, milk, or milk-coffee preparations, featuring a fixed outlet orifice close to the rotating tool and an adjustable cup holder to accommodate various container sizes, along with a control circuit for single-action preparation initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate 'coffee' and 'milk' areas are provided in the beverage preparation machine, then the machine can handle different preparation types, but the machine becomes cumbersome and complex in construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coffee dispensing function and milk stirring function into a single integrated area. The coffee dispensing nozzle and rotating stirring device share the same spatial zone, eliminating the need for separate coffee and milk areas. This consolidation reduces structural complexity while maintaining the ability to handle both coffee-based and milk-based preparations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating stirring device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can stir milk preparations and also assist in coffee-based preparations. The coffee dispensing nozzle can dispense coffee into containers positioned in the same area where milk preparations are handled. This multi-functionality allows a single area to serve multiple preparation purposes.
2Device complexity
If the coffee dispensing nozzle is fixed in position, then the construction is simpler, but the user must manually maneuver the nozzle to position it correctly for different preparations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating stirring device is made movable in the vertical direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a top standby position and a bottom working position. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different container sizes and preparation types without requiring manual maneuvering of a fixed coffee dispensing nozzle. The movement is automated or semi-automated, reducing user effort.
3Device complexity
If the rotating stirring device is fixed in position, then the construction is simpler, but the user must tilt the container to position it under the rotating tool
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating stirring device is designed to move vertically between a top standby position and a bottom working position. This dynamic positioning allows the rotating tool to be automatically placed into the container without requiring the user to tilt or manually position the container. The device adapts to the container's position, making the operation easier and more ergonomic.
4Device complexity
If the distance between the outlet orifice and rotating tool is large, then the construction is simpler, but the machine cannot accommodate standard container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating stirring device moves vertically to adjust the distance between the rotating tool and the container contents. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to accommodate various container sizes and shapes. When the device is in the bottom working position, the rotating tool is close to the container contents for effective stirring. The vertical movement capability ensures compatibility with standard container sizes without requiring a complex fixed-distance design.
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
The machine achieves a compact, ergonomic, and economical design, simplifying the preparation process by allowing easy container placement and reducing user effort, while maintaining adaptability for different container sizes and recipes.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating stirring device comprising a tool rotating about an axis A
Implementation Method 2
the rotating stirring device comprises a conduit for conveying hot water and/or steam toward the rotating tool
Implementation Method 3
at least one coffee dispensing nozzle comprising an outlet orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine includes a frame equipped with a cup holder, a coffee dispensing nozzle including an outlet orifice and a rotating stirring device including a tool rotating about an axis and intended to cooperate with a preparation contained in a container resting on the cup holder, the rotating stirring device including a conduit for conveying hot water and/or steam toward the rotating tool. The rotating stirring device is mobile in vertical translation parallel to the axis between a top standby position, in which the rotating tool is situated above the container, and a bottom working position, in which the rotating tool is situated in the container. The outlet orifice is separated from the rotating stirring device and arranged at a constant distance from the axis so that the outlet orifice and the rotating tool are arranged above an upper opening of the container arranged on the cup holder.