Adjustable Coffee Outflow Unit With Ball-Bearing Height Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee automat outflow units are difficult to precisely and easily adjust and lock, often requiring complex and costly mechanisms that are challenging to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable and lockable outflow unit is achieved using a longitudinal ball bearing support system with a magnetic locking mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment and secure locking, and optionally incorporating a driving motor with a toothed rack and gear connection for automated height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a groove and tongue shift arrangement is used for vertical adjustment, then the outflow unit can be adjusted to different heights, but the adjustment becomes difficult and includes large play unless produced very precisely at high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical groove and tongue shift arrangement with a magnetic field-based locking system. The holding magnet with ferromagnetic locking element creates magnetic attraction to secure the outflow unit at adjusted heights, eliminating the need for complex mechanical engagement features while maintaining precise positioning and easy adjustment.
2Reliability
If a clamping means is added to lock the adjusted outflow height, then the position can be secured, but the operation requires attention and skill, reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual clamping means with a magnetic field-based locking system. The holding magnet automatically secures the outflow unit at the desired height through magnetic attraction between the magnet and ferromagnetic locking element, eliminating the need for skillful manual operation while maintaining reliable positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sliding coulisses with ferromagnetic material and magnets are used for continuous adjustment, then the system is technically sophisticated, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and simplifies the locking function from the complex sliding coulisse system. Instead of using elaborate sliding mechanisms with ferromagnetic material and magnets distributed throughout the structure, the invention concentrates the magnetic locking function into a single holding magnet and ferromagnetic locking element, maintaining continuous adjustability while dramatically reducing structural complexity.
4Reliability
If prior art locking mechanisms are used, then the outflow unit can be secured, but the aesthetic appearance and haptic impression are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the aesthetic design by integrating the holding magnet and ferromagnetic locking element into the existing outflow unit structure. The magnetic locking components are positioned to be minimally visible or aesthetically integrated, so that the reliable locking mechanism does not compromise the visual appeal or haptic impression of the device.
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 precise, easy-to-use, and aesthetically appealing outflow unit that ensures reliable locking and height adjustment, accommodating various cup sizes without requiring complex manipulation, and includes features for automatic height adjustment and safety mechanisms to prevent coffee overflow.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal ball bearing as the first support element which comprises a vertical longitudinal ball bearing shaft as the second support element
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field of a holding magnet in which the ferromagnetic locking element is disposed can uncomplicatedly and directly be used for the generation of an adhesive force between the outflow unit and the housing
Implementation Method 3
a holding magnet in which the ferromagnetic locking element is disposed
Data Source
AI summary
In a coffee automat, a vertically adjustable and lockable outflow unit (3), which comprises at least one coffee outflow tube (6) in fluid-conductive connection with a coffee brewing device is continuously height-adjustable relative to a cup base and can be locked by a locking means. In order to easily and smoothly adjust, in a coffee automat rationally to be manufactured, the outflow unit (3) with the locking means released, the outflow unit (3) is supported on housing (1) by means of a longitudinal ball bearing (12) as a first bearing element, which embraces a vertical longitudinal ball bearing shaft (13) as a second bearing element. One of the two bearing elements is connected with outflow unit (3) and the other of the two bearing elements is in solid connection with a housing (1) of the coffee automat.