Coffee Machine Outlet Unit with Elastomeric Nozzles for Easy Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee machines face challenges in height adjustment for outlets, limiting their ability to accommodate various container sizes and complicating cleaning processes, with existing solutions focusing on height-adjustable front panels rather than the outlet unit itself.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design featuring a height-adjustable outlet unit with elastomeric tubular outlets that can be easily removed for cleaning, combined with a movable display and control unit that allows access to concealed service options, facilitating cleaning and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the outlet unit is made rigid for structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates due to inability to deform for crust removal
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet unit is constructed from elastomeric material that provides flexibility for deformation during cleaning while maintaining structural integrity during operation. The material's elastic properties allow it to be deformed manually for crust removal and then return to its original shape, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet unit's physical state is changed from rigid to elastomeric, allowing dynamic adjustment of its mechanical properties. During normal operation, the outlet maintains its structural form, but during cleaning, the elastomeric material can be deformed by applying force, changing its shape parameter to enable crust removal, then returning to its original state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the front panel is made height-adjustable to accommodate various container sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is designed with height-adjustability, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure. The panel can be moved vertically to accommodate different container heights, providing adaptability while using relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms that minimize added complexity.
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 design enables easy cleaning of the outlet unit by allowing deformation of elastomeric materials to remove crusts and provides enhanced accessibility for maintenance, improving the machine's operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
tubular outlets (23a) made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone caoutchouc or rubber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee maker (10) for automatically preparing a coffee beverage, and optionally other beverages, comprising a housing (11), in which the technical means required for the preparation of the coffee beverage, like grinder, brewing device, boiler, for example, are accommodated, and an outlet unit, by way of which the desired beverage, optionally together with flavoring or other additives, is dispensed. In the outlet unit (15), an outlet arrangement (23) is provided, in which a plurality of tubular outlets (23a) made of an elastomeric material, in particular silicone rubber or rubber, are arranged side-by-side, in which lines for the beverages and/or beverage additives terminate, and which are removably mounted in the outlet unit (15) for simple cleaning. On the front side of the housing (11), a display and operating unit (14) can be arranged, by way of which the desired coffee beverage can be inputted, and by way of which information about the respective coffee beverage and/or the operational state of the machine are outputted. On the upper side of the housing (11), storage containers (13.1, 13.2, 13.3) can be arranged, in which basic ingredients, in particular coffee beans, for the preparation of the coffee beverage, and other beverages as the case may be, are kept ready. The display and operating unit (14) is designed to be movable in height between a normal position and an overlying service position for enabling access to the interior of the machine.