Beverage preparation machine with silicone drip grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule coffee machines suffer from noise and durability issues due to metal or plastic drip grids, which can be scratched and produce annoying sounds.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a platform made at least partly of an elastomer, such as silicone, which reduces noise and prevents scratching, and optionally includes a supporting frame for stability, allowing easy handling and mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal or plastic drip grid is used, then the platform provides structural stability and durability, but it produces loud annoying noises when vessels are placed on it and can be easily scratched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the drip grid from rigid metal or plastic to elastomer material, which fundamentally alters the noise generation characteristics while maintaining durability through the elastic properties of the material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomer material that acts as a flexible element between the vessel and the rigid supporting frame, absorbing impact energy and preventing direct rigid contact that generates noise
2Stability of the object's composition
If a metal drip grid is used, then the platform provides structural stability, but it can be easily scratched by vessels impairing appearance and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer material forms a flexible protective layer between the vessel and the rigid supporting frame, preventing direct contact that would cause scratching of the platform surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the rigid supporting frame for stability with the elastomer material for scratch resistance, achieving both structural integrity and surface protection
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the platform is made entirely of elastomer, then it reduces noise and prevents scratching, but it may lack sufficient stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomer material with a rigid supporting frame to create a composite platform that achieves both noise reduction through the elastomer and structural stability through the frame
Solution Approach 2:
The platform design applies different material properties to different parts: the elastomer material provides noise reduction and scratch resistance where vessels contact, while the rigid frame provides overall structural support and stability
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 elastomer platform significantly reduces noise and enhances durability, preventing scratches and ensuring stability, while allowing easy detachment and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The platform is at least partly made of an elastomer... much less noise is caused when the vessel is placed on it
Implementation Method 2
platforms made of an elastomer cannot be scratched
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine that has an outlet for dispensing a prepared beverage, a receiving area for receiving a vessel for receiving the prepared beverage, and a platform that delimits the receiving area on the side opposite the outlet, and on which the vessel can be placed while the beverage is being prepared. The platform is at least partly made of an elastomer.