Beverage Machine Supply Container with Integrated Door-Lock Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices, such as coffee machines, face challenges in ensuring secure and hygienic supply container management, particularly in public environments, where unauthorized access and contamination risks are high, and practical refilling without spillage is desired.
Innovation Solution
The device features a closable device space with a device door and a sliding cover for the supply container, which locks simultaneously with the device door, eliminating the need for separate locks and allowing for efficient use of space, along with a removable supply container design and a dual spout dispensing body for enhanced hygiene and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lock means are provided on the supply container, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function for the supply container with the device door by integrating locking means on the device door that engage with the supply container. This merging eliminates the need for separate lock means on the container itself, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security against unauthorized access to ingredients.
2Ease of operation
If the supply container is made removable for refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spout positioned within the supply container that directs ingredient flow toward the preparation area. This preliminary positioning of the dispensing structure ensures that when the container is removed for refilling or during operation, ingredients are channeled safely and prevent spillage outside the preparation area.
3Volume of moving object
If the device space is made compact, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for refilling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supply container as a removable component that can be independently accessed and removed from the compact device housing. This segmentation allows the container to be taken out for refilling even when the main device space remains compact and enclosed, maintaining both space efficiency and refilling accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A device for preparing a beverage comprises a device housing (2) which is closable with a device door (4) which can be manipulated between a closed position and an open position. The device housing accommodates a supply container (10..12) for an ingredient of the beverage to be prepared which is provided with dosing means for drawing off a controlled quantity therefrom. The supply container protrudes outside the device housing and is closable with a cover (15). The cover and the device door are provided with mutual locking means (13) which lock the cover on the supply container in the closed position of the device door, wherein in the open position of the device door the cover (15) is releasable from the supply container (10..12) in order to leave the filling side (16) thereof at least partially clear.