Coffee machine with beans container module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in coffee machines face issues with the coffee beans container module, where obstacles on the spring path can cause malfunctions and make the brewing process cumbersome, leading to a higher probability of errors and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The coffee beans container module incorporates a plough geometry on the spring path to clear obstacles, ensuring smooth operation and firm positioning of the container, along with an aperture cover for automatic protection and a locking mechanism for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coffee beans container is made removable for easy filling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to obstacles on the spring path causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The plough geometry performs preliminary cleaning action by removing obstacles from the spring path before the container is fully inserted, preventing potential malfunctions while maintaining the removable design for easy filling
Solution Approach 2:
The plough geometry acts as an intermediary element between the container and the spring path, actively clearing obstacles to ensure smooth operation and prevent malfunctions during the removable container operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring path is kept simple for easy manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to obstacles causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring path is segmented into a main path and a separate opening, allowing the main path to remain simple for manufacturing while the opening provides obstacle removal functionality to maintain reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is extracted from the spring path structure, creating a separate obstacle removal channel that maintains the simplicity of the main spring path while eliminating malfunction risks
3Productivity
If the aperture is open for bean supply, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to coffee beans falling out
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture cover is designed to be dynamically movable, automatically opening to allow bean supply and closing to prevent beans from falling out, adapting its state based on operational requirements
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
This design enhances the reliability and user experience by reducing the risk of malfunctions, ensuring easy and secure insertion of the coffee beans container, and providing an automatic cover to prevent coffee beans from falling out.
Implementation Method 1
The coffee beans container (12) has an aperture (15), an aperture cover (16) and a spring (14). The housing (13) has a spring path (18)
Implementation Method 2
The coffee beans container has a plough geometry for removing obstacles from the spring path
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A coffee machine having a coffee beans container module comprising: a housing with a spring path and a coffee beans container with an aperture, an aperture cover and a spring, whereby the spring path has an opening and the coffee beans container has a plough geometry for removing obstacles from the spring path. The present invention enables a coffee machine with a coffee beans container module in which the operation of the removable coffee beans container is performed smoothly and in which the risk of malfunction is decreased. The solution provides also a positive user impression that the coffee beans container is firmly positioned in the housing.