Corner-Mounted User Interface Beverage Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage machines often require a large footprint and limited orientation options, making them less versatile and more difficult to use, as the user interface is typically positioned in a way that interferes with the dispensing area or requires additional circuitry.

Innovation Solution

A beverage dispenser with a user interface positioned on the corner of the housing, allowing access from multiple directions and orientations, and directly connected to the main control board, reducing the need for additional circuit boards and minimizing the machine's size and footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user interface is positioned on the front face of the beverage machine, then it is easily accessible to users, but it interferes with the dispensing area and requires additional circuit boards increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface accessibilityVSAvoidcircuit board requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is relocated from the traditional front face to the corner of the housing, utilizing the vertical dimension and corner space. This dimensional shift allows the interface to be accessible from both front and side views while clearing the front dispensing area, eliminating the need for additional circuit boards and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the beverage machine is designed with a large footprint to accommodate all components, then it provides sufficient space for operations, but it occupies excessive counter space and reduces versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal space for componentsVSAvoidcounter footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The corner-mounted user interface is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the corner volume rather than occupying additional external space. This nesting approach allows the interface components to be integrated into the existing housing geometry, maintaining sufficient internal space for operations while minimizing the external counter footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If the user interface is positioned close to the beverage outlet, then it saves space, but it exposes users to splashing and contact with dispensed beverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidbeverage splashing exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is extracted from the front face near the beverage outlet and repositioned to the corner of the housing. This extraction removes the interface from the harmful zone where beverage splashing occurs, allowing users to operate the interface from a safe distance while still maintaining compact space utilization through corner mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20230067361A1Beverage machine with corner user interface

Publication Date: 2023.03.02 KEURIG GREEN MOUNTAIN INC

AI summary

A beverage dispenser includes a housing and a user interface disposed on a vertical corner of the housing. The user interface includes one or more buttons that are accessible from a front view and a side view of the housing.