Beverage Maker Compact Supplier Design with Magnetic Lid Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers are not compact enough and lack a convenient mechanism for locking and unlocking the lid module of the ingredient accommodation body, which hinders user-friendly operation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker design featuring a supplier positioned between the fermentation tank and the water tank, with a translational locking mechanism for the lid module that allows easy unlocking and automatic opening, minimizing the distance between the tanks and enhancing compactness and user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the supplier is positioned between the fermentation tank and water tank to minimize distance, then compactness is improved, but the lid locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets embedded in the lid and corresponding magnetic elements in the ingredient accommodation body create automatic attraction and locking when components are assembled, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical locks, latches, or fasteners while maintaining secure connection in the compact supplier positioning between tanks.
2Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used for the lid, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism is self-activating through simple assembly movements. When the lid is placed onto the ingredient accommodation body or when the ingredient accommodation body is inserted into the supplier, the magnetic attraction automatically engages the locking mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by converting routine assembly actions into secure locking engagement.
3Device complexity
If the supplier accommodates both ingredient storage and positioning functions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the supplier into functionally independent modular sections: an ingredient accommodation portion with its own magnet-embedded lid system, and a separate capsule accommodation portion. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and assembled independently with standard tolerances, then combined through the magnetic locking system, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the integrated supplier structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage maker according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fermentation tank having an inner space, a water tank in which water is accommodated, and a supplier disposed between the fermentation tank and the water tank to accommodate a beverage ingredient. At least one accommodation space in which at least a portion of the fermentation tank or at least a portion of the water tank is accommodated is recessed in the supplier.