Coffee Outlet Fork Layout for Single- or Dual-Cup Milk Froth Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face challenges in flexibility and handling, particularly in simultaneously filling two separate cups with coffee and milk froth, due to the fixed arrangement of outlets and limited installation space, which complicates the preparation of beverages like cappuccinos.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a channel fork with two sub-channels connecting a single milk/milk froth supply channel to two coffee feed channels, allowing even distribution of fluid flow and enabling the filling of one or two separate beverage containers simultaneously, while being removable for easy cleaning and made of dishwasher-safe plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single milk froth nozzle is arranged next to or on the coffee outlet, then the structure is compact and installation space is saved, but only one cup can be filled with coffee and milk froth at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The single milk froth supply channel is segmented into two separate outlet paths through the channel fork, allowing the fluid to be distributed to two different cups simultaneously. This segmentation enables one supply channel to serve multiple outlets, resolving the contradiction between compact structure and multi-cup filling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel fork acts as a universal component that distributes milk froth to multiple outlets. This multi-functional element allows a single supply channel to fulfill the role of multiple supply channels, enabling simultaneous filling of multiple cups without increasing the number of supply channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate milk froth supply channels are provided to fill two cups simultaneously, then the capability to fill multiple cups is improved, but the installation space requirements increase and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate milk froth supply channels are merged into a single supply channel that feeds both outlets through the channel fork. This merging reduces the installation space required while maintaining the capability to fill multiple cups simultaneously, as the single supply channel serves both outlets through the fork structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel fork introduces a spatial dimension solution by distributing the fluid flow in a fork-like configuration. This dimensional arrangement allows the single supply channel to reach two outlets without requiring two separate linear supply paths, thereby saving installation space while enabling multi-cup filling.
3Area of stationary object
If the outlets are arranged close together to save space, then installation space is optimized, but it becomes problematic to fill two separate cups simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The channel fork acts as an intermediary component between the single milk froth supply channel and the two outlets. It mediates the fluid distribution, allowing the outlets to remain close together for space optimization while still enabling simultaneous filling of two cups through the fork's distribution capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the outlets are arranged far apart to allow simultaneous filling of two cups, then the capability to fill multiple cups is improved, but the distance is larger than the diameter of a conventional coffee cup making single cup filling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic flexibility by allowing the user to choose between filling one cup or two cups simultaneously. The channel fork enables the outlets to be positioned at an optimal distance that accommodates both scenarios, making the system adaptable to different operational needs without compromising ease of operation for either single or dual cup filling.
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 solution enhances flexibility and simplifies handling by allowing simultaneous filling of multiple containers and facilitates hygienic cleaning, improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The channel fork provided according to the invention makes it possible to evenly distribute a fluid flow emerging from the milk/milk froth supply channel, ie for example milk or milk froth, to the two outlets of the coffee machine.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The coffee maker has two channel outlets (3, 3') arranged at a distance each other, where the distance between the channel outlets is selected so that a common filling of two beverage containers or a single beverage container is alternatively possible. Two coffee supply channels (1, 1') are attached to one of the channel outlets. A channel fork (4) is provided with two partial channels (5, 5'), which connect a milk- and/or milk foam supply channel (2) with the channel outlets in communicating manner.