Coffee Machine Convex Touch Interface for Larger Display Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with flat, two-dimensional user interfaces are inconvenient for users due to limited space and require precise operation on small touch areas, making it difficult to effectively display information and receive input commands.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a user interface featuring a transparent cover comprising angled covering portions that form a convex display surface, allowing for a larger display area and improved usability, combined with a resilient bracket to securely hold touch-sensitive display panels and a camera to enhance spatial perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a flat, two-dimensional display is used in the user interface, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the display area is limited and usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat, two-dimensional display to a three-dimensional convex display surface formed by angled covering portions. This dimensional change allows the display to be viewed from multiple angles and provides a larger effective display area while maintaining the same physical footprint on the machine front wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface is designed with a convex curvature formed by angled portions meeting at edges. This curved geometry creates a larger visible area from different viewing angles compared to a flat surface, improving usability without increasing the device's overall footprint.
2Ease of operation
If a larger display area is created using angled covering portions, then usability and viewing angles are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple angled covering portions (first, second, third, and fourth portions) that are assembled together to form the convex display surface. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of each individual portion and simplifies the assembly process compared to creating a single complex curved surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cover from a flat configuration to angled configurations meeting at specific edges. By adjusting the angles and arrangement of the covering portions, the display surface area and viewing angles are optimized while keeping the manufacturing of individual portions relatively simple.
3Area of moving object
If multiple display panels are assembled to form a continuous picture, then the display area is expanded, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple separate display panels (first, second, third, and fourth display panels) that are assembled together within the cover. Each panel can be manufactured and tested independently, and the segmentation allows for modular replacement and maintenance while achieving a larger total display area.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An automatic coffee machine (1) for preparing coffee beverages having a body with a front wall (3) with attached a user interface unit (12) that comprises a transparent cover (2) covering a touch sensitive display (9), and creates a displaying surface (13) for displaying pictures that are used for presenting information to a user and for receiving input commands from a user, and an electronic controller connected to the user interface (12) for controlling the user interface unit (12) and the coffee machine (1), and the cover (2) comprises at least a first and a second covering portion (2.1, 2.2) that are angled towards each other, create an inner recess surface (14) for receiving touch sensitive display panels (9.1, 9.2), and in that each of the displaying panels (9.1, 9.2) displays a picture they together form a continues picture.