Motor-Driven Beverage Outlet Height Adjustment Without Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable drinks machines, such as coffee machines, face issues with manual and unreliable height adjustment due to play between bushing and guide elements, leading to potential jamming and inconsistent displacement forces.
Innovation Solution
A rotatably mounted threaded guide element with a prestressed driver, driven by an electric motor, allows for precise height adjustment of the beverage outlet, enabling both motor-driven and manual adjustment, and includes a gear system for torque adjustment and a detent mechanism to prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual height adjustment is used, then the structure remains simple, but the adjustment reliability deteriorates due to play between bushing and guide element causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor rotates the threaded guide element, which automatically moves the beverage outlet to the correct height position, eliminating the need for manual operation and the associated reliability issues with play and jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment mechanism from direct manual displacement to rotational motion of a threaded guide element. This parameter change transforms the adjustment process into a more reliable rotational-to-linear motion conversion system with controlled engagement.
2Manufacturing precision
If motor-driven height adjustment is implemented, then adjustment precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional motor and gear components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor, gear system, and threaded guide element into an integrated assembly. The motor is positioned to directly drive the threaded guide element through gear engagement, combining multiple components into a compact unit that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the motor and gear system within the existing machine structure, positioning the motor to drive the threaded guide element in a space-efficient arrangement. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint while maintaining the precision adjustment capability.
3Reliability
If the driver is prestressed against the guide element, then engagement reliability improves, but friction losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the prestress force parameter to achieve the minimum necessary engagement pressure. By carefully selecting the spring constant and precompression force, the system achieves reliable engagement while minimizing excessive friction that would cause energy losses.
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 solution provides reliable, automatic, and adjustable height positioning of the beverage outlet, reducing the risk of jamming and allowing for precise control, enhancing user convenience and machine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a driver (9) which is arranged on the bushing element (8) and is at least partially prestressed against the guide element (7) by a spring (10)
Implementation Method 2
The guide element is rotated by a motor. According to the invention, the guide element designed as a threaded rod is driven by an electric motor.
Implementation Method 3
A gear provided on an axially arranged shaft of the electric motor is in engagement with a toothed ring provided on the inner circumference of the threaded rod. If necessary, force and torque can be changed or adjusted via a gear provided inside or outside the threaded rod.
Implementation Method 4
the guide element designed as a threaded rod is driven by an electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The machine has a rotatable guiding element (7) designed as a threaded rod, formed at the machine and guided to a vertically adjustable beverage outlet (1) over a socket element (8). An annular driver (9) is arranged on the socket element and pre-tensioned against the guiding element that is provided with a screw thread (17), where the guiding element is manually rotated by a rotating movement or a rectilinear movement. The guiding element is electromotive-rotated by an electromotor that is blocked in an interior region of the guiding element. The driver includes two axial legs (11).