Capsule-Based Hot Drink Dispenser With Under-Worktop Component Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot drink dispensing devices using capsules occupy significant space on the worktop, accumulate waste water and dirt, require a separate water tank for fresh water, and have issues with used capsule collection and odor management.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a mounting system that positions the hot water device under the worktop, using a hot water channel to pass water through an opening, reducing top space usage, and incorporating a capsule discharge channel to collect used capsules below the worktop, along with a direct cold water supply to eliminate the need for a water tank and improve hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the dispensing device is positioned on the worktop as a unit with hot water device and water tank, then the device is compact and integrated, but it occupies a relatively large amount of space on the worktop
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is divided into separate functional components: the preparing and dispensing unit remains on the worktop, while the hot water device and water tank are relocated to the cabinet space below the worktop. This segmentation allows the worktop area to be used more efficiently while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device layout transitions from a two-dimensional worktop placement to a three-dimensional configuration utilizing both worktop and cabinet spaces. The hot water device and water tank are positioned in the vertical dimension below the worktop, effectively using unused space and reducing the footprint on the worktop surface.
2Ease of operation
If the device is positioned on the worktop as a unit, then all components are accessible, but waste water and dirt can accumulate between the worktop and the bottom side of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The hot water device and water tank are extracted from the worktop-level housing and relocated to the cabinet space below. This separation removes the sources of waste water generation from the worktop area, eliminating the problem of accumulation between the worktop and device housing.
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to channel waste water from the preparing and dispensing unit through the worktop opening into the cabinet space, where it can be properly collected and disposed of, preventing accumulation on the worktop surface.
3Quantity of substance
If a separate water tank is provided on the worktop, then water is available for preparing hot drinks, but the tank occupies significant space and requires regular filling and replacement of water
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage function is separated from the worktop area and assigned to a dedicated water tank positioned in the cabinet space below. This segmentation allows the tank to be sized according to water storage needs without constraining worktop space, as the tank resides in the unused vertical space beneath the worktop.
4Ease of operation
If used capsules are collected in the housing on the worktop, then capsules are conveniently stored, but the housing must be enlarged to accommodate them and they may give off unpleasant odour
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule collection function is extracted from the worktop-level housing and relocated to the cabinet space below. Used capsules are discharged through a discharge channel into a collection container positioned in the cabinet, removing the source of unpleasant odours from the worktop area and allowing for better containment and ventilation in the cabinet space.
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 reduces worktop space usage, minimizes waste water and dirt accumulation, ensures fresh water usage without waste, and effectively manages used capsule collection and odor, providing a more efficient and hygienic hot drink preparation system.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating water
Implementation Method 2
a pump for increasing the pressure of the water
Implementation Method 3
a cooling device for cooling down the hot water to warm water
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing a hot drink, comprising: a hot water device (13) for providing hot water, a preparing and dispensing unit (2) configured for preparing and dispensing the hot drink, comprising: a capsule holder (26) for holding a capsule (90) in a capsule chamber (29), a dispensing opening (4) for dispensing a hot drink, and a dispensing channel (28) for passing a hot drink from the capsule chamber to the dispensing opening, and a hot water channel (19) for passing hot water from the hot water device to the capsule chamber, characterized in that the hot water device (13) comprises a cold water inlet which is to be connected to a cold water supply (17), and a heating device (36) for heating water, and the hot water device (13) comprises a tank (100) for keeping water at a temperature of at least 95 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 100 degrees Celsius, and a hot water outlet (101a) connected to the tank, wherein the hot water outlet is connected to the hot water channel (19) and wherein a cooling device (103) is provided for cooling down the hot water to a temperature suitable for preparing the hot drink.