Beverage-preparing machine with a central discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers with central outlets are difficult to install, fix, and maintain due to complex and space-constrained designs, making cleaning and repair cumbersome for non-specialist users.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker with a central outlet that features a quick-release locking device and a holder with a snap or clamp connection, allowing for easy insertion and removal of the central spout, along with a height-adjustable dispensing unit and flexible materials for enhanced cleaning and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the central outlet is designed with multiple individual parts arranged space-savingly, then the number of components is reduced, but the assembly and disassembly becomes considerably more difficult and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The central outlet is divided into a holder portion and a spout portion that can be separately assembled and disassembled. The holder remains fixed in the beverage maker while the spout can be removed independently for cleaning, combining component reduction with maintenance ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout portion is extracted as a separate removable component from the holder. This allows the spout to be easily removed for cleaning without disassembling the entire central outlet assembly, solving the contradiction between component integration and maintenance accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If the central outlet components are tightly integrated for space-saving arrangement, then the device compactness is improved, but the cleaning and servicing becomes tedious and complicated for non-specialist users
Solution Approach 1:
The central outlet is segmented into a fixed holder and a removable spout. The spout can be easily detached for cleaning by non-specialist users while maintaining the compact integrated design when assembled, resolving the contradiction between compactness and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout is designed to be easily removable and reattachable by users without specialist knowledge. The simple connection mechanism allows end-users to perform their own cleaning and maintenance, eliminating the need for professional servicing.
3Reliability
If the central outlet is firmly fixed to prevent loosening, then the tightness and reliability of the flow line system is improved, but the installation and removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between holder and spout uses an elastic pressing element that provides dynamic adaptation. The elastic element ensures reliable tightness during operation while allowing easy insertion and removal during installation and maintenance, resolving the contradiction between firm fixing and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pressing element changes its mechanical parameters (force, deformation) based on the operational state. During installation, it deforms to allow insertion; during operation, it maintains constant pressing force for reliable tightness; during removal, the force is released to facilitate easy detachment.
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
Facilitates easy installation, reliable fixing, and simplified maintenance of the central outlet, improving the tightness and reliability of the flow line system while allowing for efficient cleaning and reduced assembly effort, enhancing user handling and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
At least one elastic pressing element is provided which serves to press the spout portion against the holder portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The central outlet has different fluid connecting portions that are connected to the beverage mix output elements (5,6) configured for dispensing of beverage. A detachable central spout portion is fixed in a beverage maker by a locking device (8). A holder (9) is detachably fixed in the beverage maker through the locking device. The holder is provided with a handle (10). The central spout portion is made of a flexible material. The beverage mix output elements are provided with the dispensing nozzles (11, 12). An independent claim is included for a beverage maker.