Built-in device for preparation of infusion drinks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Built-in devices for producing infused beverages face challenges due to the heavy door design, which requires stable hinges and increases production and assembly efforts, and the integration of the dispensing device into the door leads to sealing issues over time.

Innovation Solution

The design integrates the dispensing device into the interior of the appliance, eliminating it from the door, allowing for a lighter door with less complex hinges, and incorporates a guide track system for easy assembly and removal of the brewing unit and water tank, ensuring correct positioning and reducing assembly complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the dispensing device is integrated into the door, then the door structure is compact, but the door becomes heavier and requires more complex hinges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structureVSAvoiddoor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing device is extracted from the door structure and relocated to the interior of the appliance body. This separation removes the heavy dispensing mechanism from the door, allowing the door to be lighter while maintaining its closing function. The dispensing device is now independently mounted inside the appliance, eliminating the need for complex hinges to support its weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the dispensing device is integrated into the door, then the structure is compact, but sealing problems occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure integrationVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the dispensing device from the door, the invention eliminates the repeated opening and closing stress that causes sealing degradation. The dispensing device remains stationary within the appliance body, while the door simply closes over it, preventing seal wear and maintaining reliable sealing over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Weight of moving object

If the door is made lighter by removing the dispensing device, then hinges can be simpler, but the brewing unit needs a guide track for proper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor weightVSAvoidguidance system
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A guide track is introduced as an intermediary element between the brewing unit and the appliance body. This simple mechanical guide ensures proper positioning and alignment of the brewing unit during installation, while remaining a straightforward structural feature that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of stationary object

If the receiving space accommodates both water tank and brewing unit, then space is utilized efficiently, but assembly sequence becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiving space utilizationVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide track is pre-installed in the receiving space before the brewing unit is assembled. This preliminary preparation allows the brewing unit to be easily guided into position along the track, simplifying the assembly process despite the dual-function receiving space that must accommodate both the water tank and brewing unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach simplifies the device's structure, reduces assembly effort, and enhances usability, including for visually impaired users, while maintaining efficient operation and easy maintenance access.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device (6) for heating water and/or for producing steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

heating water and/or for producing steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3530154B1Built-in device for preparation of infusion drinks
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3530154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3530154B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3530154B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a built-in appliance (1) for the production of infused beverages, comprising: - a heating device for heating water and/or for producing steam, - a brewing unit (2) for preparing the infused beverage using the heated water, - a dispensing device (3) with at least one beverage outlet (4) for dispensing the infused beverage produced in the built-in appliance (1) using the brewing unit (2), - a door (5) closing the built-in appliance (1), in which, according to the invention, behind the open door (5) of the built-in appliance (1), a receiving space (6) with at least one guide track (7, 8) designed for inserting and removing the brewing unit (2) is provided.