Coffee machine with improved coffee dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face difficulties in centering coffee within cups due to insufficient adjustment mechanisms, particularly when dispensing into single or multiple cups of varying sizes, and current solutions are complex and not very precise.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a mechanism comprising hinged quadrilaterals connected to the support, allowing for precise adjustment of coffee dispensing spouts in both width and height directions, featuring synchronised movement and deceleration mechanisms to maintain precise positioning and orientation of the spouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coffee dispenser height adjustment system is provided, then the difficulty to manage different heights of cups is reduced, but the problem of centring coffee in the cup according to single or two cups and cup size is not solved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spout positions adjustable in both width and height directions. The support structure includes first and second spouts that can be independently positioned along guidance elements, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different cup configurations (single cup, two cups, different sizes) while maintaining proper coffee centring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movement mechanisms are provided to change the distance between dispensing spouts in the width direction, then coffee centring is improved, but the mechanisms become complex and require space that is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds both spouts, provides height adjustment via first guidance elements, provides width adjustment via second guidance elements, and maintains relative positioning between spouts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each adjustment direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by adding another dimension to the adjustment system. Instead of complex lateral movement mechanisms, the support structure allows width adjustment through a second direction (lateral guidance elements) that is simpler and more space-efficient, complementing the height adjustment in the first direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex movement mechanisms are used to adjust spout positions, then coffee centring is improved, but the precision of adjustment is not very good
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure enables self-service adjustment where the spouts can be directly positioned by the user along the guidance elements without requiring complex actuation mechanisms. The guidance elements themselves provide the precision tracking, eliminating the need for additional precision-control mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If the coffee machine dimensions are reduced, then space efficiency is improved, but the space available for movement mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the height adjustment function and width adjustment function into a single integrated support structure. The support structure simultaneously provides guidance elements for both directions of movement, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The coffee machine (1) comprises a coffee dispenser having a support (3), a first spout (4) and at least a second spout (5) for dispensing coffee, and a mechanism for connecting the first and at least second spout (4, 5) to the support (3) configured to adjust the position of the first spout (4) and at least a second spout (5) in the direction of the width (L) and at the same time of the height (A) of the coffee machine (1).