Cappuccino Maker with Movable Steam Pipe for Disposable Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cappuccino makers in beverage dispensing machines have complex constructional designs and are difficult to clean, particularly due to external spouts that frequently come into contact with milk, creating residue issues.
Innovation Solution
A cappuccino maker device with a steam tube or pipe that connects a heater to a container, operated by a lever, allowing for easy insertion and removal through a centering hole in the lid, facilitating steam production and milk frothing with a disposable design for improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external spout is used in conventional cappuccino makers, then milk can be dispensed, but the spout comes into frequent contact with milk and creates difficult-to-remove residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable spout that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the problem of residue buildup. The spout is pre-attached to the milk container and disposed of along with the container, ensuring no residues remain in the reusable parts of the machine.
2Reliability
If the steam pipe terminal must engage firmly with the lid to form a seal, then steam can be produced correctly, but the top and bottom parts must be perfectly aligned making construction complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steam pipe is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be inserted and removed easily. The pipe can engage with the lid when needed for steam production and be withdrawn when not in use, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining reliable steam generation.
3Reliability
If the steam tube extends through the centering hole in the lid, then steam can reach the liquid, but the pipe requires frequent cleaning due to contact with milk
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into disposable and reusable parts. The spout and its associated sealing elements are part of the disposable container assembly, while the steam tube remains in the reusable machine body. This segmentation allows the steam tube to be isolated from direct milk contact, reducing cleaning frequency.
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
Simplifies the construction and cleaning process by eliminating complex alignment requirements and reducing residue buildup, while maintaining effective steam and frothing functions, suitable for compact spaces like yachts, aircraft, and domestic use.
Implementation Method 1
a cappuccino maker (50) comprising a steam tube or pipe (10) connecting a heater (12) with a container (7) for liquids to be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage dispensing machine provided with a cappuccino maker includes a heater, a jug provided with a lid having a hole, and a pipe, operated by an actuator, which moves the pipe perpendicularly with respect to the jug so that, during operation of the heater, the pipe emits steam into the jug, at the same time locking the jug inside its seat. The pipe is operated with a mechanism sliding upwards and downwards inside guides and is provided with a flexible connection piece for connection to the heater.