Removable Cup Stand Lighting With Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beverage vending machines face challenges in providing effective and aesthetically pleasing lighting for removable cup pedestals due to the complexity and expense of electrical energy transmission systems, limiting design flexibility and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a wireless energy transmission system between the vending machine and the removable cup pedestal, featuring a receiving device for the lighting device with a light source, such as light-emitting diodes, which allows for independent illumination and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a lighting device is integrated into the removable cup tray, then illumination quality and design flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for electrical energy transmission systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting qualityVSAvoidelectrical coupling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical coupling system with a wireless energy transmission system. The transmitter in the beverage dispenser and receiver in the cup tray enable power transfer without physical electrical contacts, eliminating complex plugs, sockets, and wiring while maintaining reliable illumination in the removable cup tray

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless energy transmission as an intermediary mechanism between the beverage dispenser and cup tray. This intermediary system (comprising transmitter and receiver components) enables power transfer through electromagnetic fields without direct electrical contact, resolving the contradiction between integrated lighting and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If complex coupling systems are used for electrical energy transmission, then power supply to the lighting device is achieved, but reliability decreases due to potential failure points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with wireless electromagnetic energy transmission. This eliminates wear, corrosion, and connection failure issues associated with physical plugs and sockets, significantly improving system reliability while maintaining full power transmission capability to the lighting device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless energy transmission system provides a failure-proof power transmission mechanism that eliminates the need for physical connections that could fail. By anticipating and preventing connection issues before they occur, the system ensures continuous reliable operation of the lighting device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the lighting device is located within the removable cup tray, then design flexibility and cleaning ease are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for complex power connection systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidtray removal and insertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical electrical connections with wireless energy transmission, allowing the cup tray to be freely removable without worrying about plug connections. Users can simply place or remove the tray without any electrical coupling steps, maintaining full design flexibility while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the cup tray system by implementing wireless power transmission. This separation allows the tray to operate independently without physical electrical attachments, simplifying user interaction while maintaining integrated lighting functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables innovative lighting effects, improved user guidance, and enhanced maintenance capabilities, reducing costs and complexity while providing a competitive advantage through customizable and reliable lighting.

Implementation Method 1

the beverage dispenser has a transmitter and the lighting device has a receiver for wireless power transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless power transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3275347B1Drinks machine
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3275347B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drinks machine (1) with a removable cup stand (2) for setting down a drink container. It is essential to the invention that the cup stand (2) has a lighting device (3) with a light source (4). As a result, a completely new lighting concept can be implemented with previously unknown optical effects.