Coffee Machine Outlet Lift With Manual Override and Overload Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines, particularly coffee machines, have complex and expensive height adjustment mechanisms that are prone to incorrect assembly and do not allow manual adjustment of the beverage outlet, lacking protection against accidental blocking and hot water/steam exposure.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment mechanism using an electric motor to rotate a threaded lifting screw engaged with a resilient lifting nut, which detaches when excessive force is applied, combined with a non-self-locking thread for manual adjustment and a covering system with slat hinges for protection against hot water/steam, and a modular design for simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex height adjustment mechanism with multiple components is used, then the beverage outlet can be adjusted in height, but the assembly becomes complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height adjustment mechanism into a single integrated unit comprising a threaded rod, lifting nut, and electric motor assembly. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, and lowers production costs while maintaining the beverage outlet height adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated height adjustment unit serves multiple functions: it provides electric motor-driven height adjustment, includes a non-self-locking thread mechanism for manual adjustment capability, and incorporates a resilient lifting nut with overload protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If an electric motor is used to drive the height adjustment, then automatic adjustment is achieved, but manual adjustment by the user is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting nut is designed with a non-self-locking thread that allows it to be resilient and movable. This dynamic design enables the lifting nut to respond to both electric motor rotation for automatic adjustment and manual rotation by the user for manual adjustment, providing flexibility in operation modes without requiring separate mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the height adjustment mechanism is rigid and fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but damage occurs when the beverage discharge unit is accidentally blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting nut is designed with a resilient connection to the beverage discharge unit, creating a built-in cushioning mechanism. When the beverage discharge unit is accidentally blocked, the resilient connection allows the lifting nut to deform or detach, preventing damage to the motor and other components. This beforehand cushioning protects the system against abnormal forces without compromising normal structural stability.
4Quantity of substance
If the front wall opening is left open for beverage supply lines, then fluid conduction is enabled, but exposure to hot water and steam occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a covering means comprising flexible or movable panels that can be positioned to cover the front wall opening. These covering panels allow beverage supply lines to pass through while providing a barrier against hot water and steam exposure. The covering means can be adjusted or positioned to maintain fluid conduction while protecting against harmful thermal factors.
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 reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly height adjustment mechanism that protects against accidental blocking and hot water/steam exposure, while simplifying assembly and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The height adjustment mechanism comprises an electric motor (6) that rotates a threaded lifting screw (9)
Implementation Method 2
a threaded lifting screw (9) extending through and engaged with a lifting nut (12)
Implementation Method 3
halves of the lifting nut (12) that are resiliently fixed each other around the lifting screw (9) by a compression mean (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine, with a housing and with a beverage discharge unit (30) which is arranged in front of a housing front wall (16) and which is height-adjustable along a vertical axis (V) by a height adjustment mechanism (18), wherein in the housing front wall (16) an extending along the vertical axis (V) opening (17) is arranged, through which extends at least one beverage supply line, with which the beverage discharge unit (30) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner with a beverage preparation means and wherein a discharge unit head (24) is connected to the beverage discharge unit (30) in such a way that they can be adjusted by adjusting the beverage discharge unit (30) and can be moved together with a covering means (3) of the opening (17) not covered by the beverage discharge unit (30) and the discharge unit head (24) that is connected to it, and the height adjustment mechanism (18) comprises an electric motor (6) that rotates a threaded lifting screw (9) extending through and engaged with a lifting nut (12), and in that the lifting nut (12) is formed by halves (34) of the lifting nut (12) that are resiliently fixed each other around the lifting screw (9) by a compression mean (13).