Capsule Coffee Machine Collection Container for Descaling Liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The descaling and cleaning processes for beverage preparation machines are complex, time-consuming, and often ineffective, leading to user dissatisfaction and neglect of maintenance recommendations.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a removable, open-topped collection container that can be moved between initial and liquid receiving positions, allowing it to serve as both a used capsule holder and a liquid collection container during descaling or cleaning, thereby accommodating a larger volume without increasing the machine's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate large-volume container is provided for liquid collection during descaling, then the liquid collection capacity is sufficient, but the machine dimensions increase and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is designed to serve dual purposes: holding used capsules during normal operation and collecting liquid during descaling/cleaning processes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate dedicated liquid collection container, thereby maintaining sufficient liquid collection capacity without increasing machine dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If the collection container is placed under the beverage outlet for liquid collection, then liquid can be collected effectively, but the container becomes unstable and spills easily
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is designed to be movable between different positions. During descaling/cleaning, it can be positioned under the beverage outlet for effective liquid collection, and during normal operation, it is positioned in the capsule ejection area. This dynamic repositioning allows the container to achieve both stability in its respective positions and effectiveness for its intended purpose.
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 descaling and cleaning process by utilizing existing space within the machine, allowing for efficient liquid collection and reducing the need for separate containers, thus encouraging regular maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and a water heating means (continuous-flow heater or boiler), whereby the water contained in the water tank can be heated by the pump and the water heating means and conveyed into the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pump and a water heating means (continuous-flow heater or boiler), whereby the water contained in the water tank can be heated by the pump and the water heating means
Implementation Method 3
the collecting container is liquid-tight and can be moved between the initial position and a liquid receiving position, in which it is arranged in a stable position below the beverage outlet
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) of the type according to the invention is designed as a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a single-serve capsule. The beverage preparation machine contains a brewing chamber for insertion of the single-serve capsule, as well as a water container (7), a pump and a water heating means (continuous flow heater or boiler), wherein water contained in the water container can be heated using the pump and the water heating means, and can be transported into the brewing chamber. The beverage preparation machine also has a beverage outlet (5), from which the beverage brewed from the heated water in the brewing chamber arrives in a drinking vessel placed thereunder. The beverage preparation machine also comprises a removable collecting vessel (9), which is open at the top, arranged in a starting position for an operating state under the brewing chamber, and into which a used capsule can be ejected after completion of the brewing process, for example by opening the brewing chamber. The beverage preparation machine is characterised in that the collecting vessel (9) is liquid tight and can be moved between the starting position and a liquid receiving position, in which same is arranged underneath the beverage outlet in a positionally stable manner.