Beverage Machine Cup Support With Integrated Draining Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage machines lack versatility in their drip tray devices with cup or mug supports, particularly in accommodating different cup sizes and providing a solution for draining residual liquids without a kitchen sink or draining board nearby.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a dispensing area for receiving beverages and a non-dispensing area adjacent to it, allowing recipients to be placed upside down for liquid drainage into a collector, which can be used as a draining board for multiple cups, even when the machine is not near a kitchen sink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cup support position is provided under the beverage outlet, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate cups of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple support surfaces positioned at different heights and locations. Each support surface can accommodate cups of different sizes independently, allowing the device to handle various cup types without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates multiple support surfaces that serve different functions - some positioned directly under the outlet for small cups, others extended for larger cups. This multi-functional design allows a single device to universally support various cup sizes and configurations.
2Ease of operation
If cups are placed under the beverage outlet for dispensing, then beverage collection is efficient, but residual liquid drainage requires additional space and facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is merged with the support device itself by incorporating a draining board area adjacent to the dispensing area. This integration eliminates the need for separate drainage facilities or additional workspace, allowing users to drain residual liquid directly at the machine location.
Solution Approach 2:
The draining board acts as an intermediary surface between the beverage outlet and the collector. It provides a transition area where cups can be tilted for drainage, with grooves guiding the residual liquid to the collector, thus mediating the drainage process without requiring external facilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a draining board is added adjacent to the dispensing area, then residual liquid can be drained without sink, but the support device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The draining board is designed with localized features - grooves specifically positioned to channel liquid, and a surface area optimized for cup placement during drainage. This local optimization provides effective drainage functionality without requiring complex overall structure, maintaining simplicity while adding versatility.
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
Enables efficient drainage of residual liquids from cups of various sizes, allowing users to keep their workspace clean without needing to transport dripping cups to a sink, and facilitating easy collection and cleaning of used recipients.
Implementation Method 1
the non-dispensing area being arranged to support recipients upon use and for evacuating liquid to the collector
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage that includes a liquid food or beverage module having a liquid or beverage outlet; a support device that is located under the beverage outlet and that has an arrangement for evacuating liquid; and a collector, such as drip tray, for collecting liquid evacuated by the support device. The support device has a dispensing area on or above which a recipient may be placed for collecting a liquid food or beverage dispensed from the outlet. The support device also includes a non-dispensing area adjacent to the dispensing area, the non-dispensing area being arranged to support recipients upon use and for evacuating liquid to the collector.