Secure Cup Support Locking for Stable Multi-Size Beverage Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing machines often struggle with securely supporting cups of different sizes under the beverage outlet, leading to instability and potential spills, as existing systems rely on loose positioning and end stops which do not provide adequate security for larger cups.
Innovation Solution
A movable user-recipient support system with fastening means, such as magnetic fasteners or locks, that securely positions cups of varying sizes by automatically locking into place, preventing unwanted movement and providing feedback to the user, ensuring stability during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movable cup support is used to accommodate different cup sizes, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates because the support can move freely without proper fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The cup support is designed to be movable between different positions to accommodate various cup sizes, while incorporating fastening means (magnetic or mechanical) that engage automatically when the support reaches a designated position. This dynamic design allows the support to transition from a fixed structure to a movable one with automatic stabilization, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
2Reliability
If automatic fastening means are added to secure the cup support, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means are designed to engage automatically when the cup support is positioned correctly under the beverage outlet. Magnetic fasteners utilize magnetic attraction to hold the support in place, while mechanical fasteners engage through the natural movement and positioning of the support structure itself. This self-service approach provides stable positioning without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving reliability.
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 ensures stable positioning of both smaller and larger cups under the beverage outlet, preventing spills and enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for manual locking, while allowing for easy servicing and adaptation to different cup sizes.
Implementation Method 1
fastening means, such as magnetic fasteners or locks, that securely positions cups of varying sizes by automatically locking into place
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for dispensing a beverage (50) has: an outlet (4) for dispensing said beverage; a user-recipient support (5) movable within such machine from a position for supporting a smaller user-recipient (51) under the outlet to a position for placing a larger user-recipient (52) under the outlet; and means for stopping movement of the user-recipient support in at least one of said positions. The stopping means comprise a means (57, 58) for fastening the user-recipient support in said at least one of said positions.