Compact Pivotable Milk Froth Outlet for Automated Latte Art
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating latte art in coffee require manual skill and time, as they involve manually pouring milk froth onto coffee, which is inefficient and requires extensive practice to achieve desired designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a pivotable and displaceable guide sleeve and hose element that allows the milk froth outlet to be moved in controlled two-dimensional (x, y) directions, enabling precise dispensing of milk froth onto coffee surfaces to create graphic patterns automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robot is used to guide the milk froth outlet for automatic pattern creation, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the movement control into two independent segments: a guide sleeve that pivots tangentially about a vertical axis, and a hose element that extends and retracts radially. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific movement function, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a complete robot system while achieving the same automated pattern creation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as both the pivot mechanism for tangential movement and the guide structure for the hose element's radial extension. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, decreasing device complexity while maintaining automation
2Device complexity
If a compact structure is implemented with pivotable guide sleeve and hose element, then device complexity is reduced, but movement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hose element is designed to be flexible and displaceable within the guide sleeve, allowing dynamic adjustment of the outlet position. The hose can extend and retract radially while being constrained by the guide sleeve's longitudinal slot, enabling precise positioning through controlled flexibility rather than rigid mechanical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeve acts as an intermediary structure between the pivot mechanism and the hose element. Its longitudinal slot provides a constrained path that guides the hose element's radial movement, ensuring precision while allowing the compact, flexible design to function effectively
3Device complexity
If manual pouring is used for latte art, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to perform the pattern creation task automatically without requiring manual skill or intervention. The control unit coordinates the guide sleeve's pivoting and the hose element's radial movement to dispense milk froth in predetermined patterns, making the system self-sufficient for pattern creation while maintaining simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided with an outlet, in particular for milk froth, which apparatus can be moved in two or three coordinate directions (x, y, z) using a control unit. When dispensing the fluid, a graphic pattern can thus be created automatically on the surface of the beverage dispensed into the container, preferably coffee. A pivotably housed guide sleeve and a hose element are provided with the outlet, which element can be pivoted in the sleeve and through which element the milk froth passes. This outlet can be moved with the hose element and the guide sleeve in a plane in these two coordinate directions (x, y) above the container in controlled manner, and the milk froth can thus be dispensed into the container. The result is a compact structure of the apparatus and this can be integrated into a coffee machine in a very space-saving manner.