Detachable Jug Steam Nozzle Layout for Easier Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage producing machines, such as coffee machines, face limitations in flexibility due to design issues that lead to cleaning problems and health risks from residue accumulation, particularly with the coaxial arrangement of the stirrer and steam nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A detachable jug design featuring a separate steam nozzle and stirrer, where the steam nozzle is arranged parallel to the stirrer, allowing for independent attachment and detachment, enabling flexible use for heating and stirring, and simplifying cleaning by preventing residue accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the steam nozzle and stirrer are arranged coaxially in a fixed configuration, then the device structure is simplified, but cleaning becomes difficult and residues can accumulate leading to health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate detachable components: the steam nozzle assembly and the stirrer assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed and cleaned, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with fixed coaxial arrangements while maintaining structural simplicity when components are assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The steam nozzle and stirrer can be detached and reattached as needed, allowing the system to adapt between operational modes (heating only, stirring only, or combined) and facilitating easy cleaning by separating components that would otherwise be difficult to access.
2Ease of manufacture
If the steam nozzle and stirrer are integrated in a fixed coaxial arrangement, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but residues can solidify in hard-to-reach areas causing health risks
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the integrated coaxial structure into separate detachable nozzle and stirrer components, the design maintains manufacturing simplicity while eliminating crevices where residues could accumulate. Each component has smooth surfaces that are easily accessible for cleaning, preventing the health risks associated with residue solidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The potentially harmful interface between the steam nozzle and stirrer in a fixed coaxial arrangement is extracted by making them separate detachable components. This removes the problematic space where residues could accumulate, while the components themselves remain simple to manufacture with smooth, cleanable surfaces.
3Volume of moving object
If the stirrer shaft extends coaxially through the steam nozzle, then the structure is more compact, but cleaning becomes difficult and stirrer shaft blocking can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial structure is segmented into separate components rather than extending one through the other. The steam nozzle and stirrer assembly are detachable separate pieces, eliminating the internal passages and interfaces that would be difficult to clean while maintaining compact dimensions when assembled for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic coaxial extension of the stirrer shaft through the steam nozzle is extracted and replaced with separate detachable components. This eliminates the hard-to-clean interfaces and potential blocking points while preserving the compact operational configuration when components are assembled.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed coaxial arrangement is used, then the device structure is more stable, but flexibility of use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structure transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The detachable connections between the steam nozzle and stirrer allow the user to configure the device for different operations (heating only, stirring only, or combined), providing versatility while maintaining structural stability when components are assembled together for use.
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 design enhances flexibility and ease of cleaning, reducing health risks and maintenance issues by allowing for separate handling of the steam nozzle and stirrer, ensuring effective heating and stirring of beverages while preventing residue solidification and microorganism proliferation.
Implementation Method 1
a detachable stirrer designed and configured for rotation under the effect of a steam jet
Implementation Method 2
steam e.g. produced by a beverage preparing machine, can be delivered through the steam inlet, directly or indirectly, to the steam nozzle towards the bottom of the jug body
Data Source
AI summary
A jug includes a body and a cover. The cover is provided with a steam inlet and supports a detachable stirrer. The stirrer is configured to rotate under an effect of a steam jet exiting a steam nozzle near a bottom of the body for impinging on the stirrer to cause rotation of the stirrer. The detachable stirrer extends from the cover towards the bottom of the body of the jug. The steam nozzle is further detachably connected to the cover and extends towards the bottom of the body of the jug and is positioned adjacent to the detachable stirrer. The steam nozzle and the detachable stirrer are connectable to and detachable from the cover one independently of the other.