Coffee Machine Flexible Line Magnetic Fixing for Tidy Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fully automatic coffee machines face challenges in user-friendliness and aesthetics due to the handling and attachment of flexible lines, which are often prone to breakage and visually unattractive, especially when not in use or during cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A hook-free device with a magnetic fixing section that reversibly attaches to the coffee machine, allowing the flexible line to be positioned in a defined manner without protruding elements, ensuring easy operation and hygiene while maintaining a tidy appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hooks are used to attach the flexible line, then the line can be easily attached and detached, but the hooks are prone to breakage and visually unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment and detachment of flexible lineVSAvoiddurability of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hook system with a magnetic attachment mechanism. The flexible line contains a magnetic section that is attracted to a metal component of the coffee machine, eliminating the need for physical hooks. This substitution maintains ease of attachment while significantly improving reliability and visual appearance, as magnets have no protruding parts that can break or look unsightly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the flexible line is made detachable for hygiene, then cleaning is improved, but the attachment mechanism becomes visually unattractive when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygienic cleaning capabilityVSAvoidvisual appearance when line is not mounted
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system eliminates protruding hooks that create visual clutter when the line is detached. The magnetic section can be easily removed for cleaning while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance when not in use, as magnets have no visible attachment structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the flexible line is fixed on the coffee machine, then its position is defined and operation is not prevented, but it may interfere with operation when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefined position during operationVSAvoidflexibility when not in use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment mechanism provides dynamic positioning - the flexible line can be easily attached and detached based on operational needs. When not in use, the line can be completely removed from the machine, providing maximum flexibility and preventing any interference with other operations or aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing method for attaching and detaching the flexible line, preventing damage and interference with the coffee machine's operation, while ensuring hygienic cleaning and maintaining a sleek design.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing section can be fixed magnetically. It can be attracted, for example, due to a magnetic force acting between it and a metal component of the fully automatic coffee machine.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2710939B1Fully automatic coffee maker with flexible conduit
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2710939B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A fully automatic coffee machine (1) for domestic use, with a flexible line (6) that can be actuated at least on one side, is further developed by a fixing section (10) on a middle section of the line (6) and by a device (11) for reversibly fixing the fixing section (10 ) on the coffee machine (1).