Device for emulsifying a milk-based beverage for coffee machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for emulsifying milk-based beverages in coffee machines face issues with user safety, ease of cleaning, and precise operation, particularly due to milk residue accumulation and potential splashing during dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a main steam connector featuring safety means for secure connection and limited rotation, a mixing body with a stabilizing element, and an elastically deformable intake tube for adaptable milk container fitting, along with a bayonet connection for easy detachment and cleaning, ensures safe operation and splash-free dispensing into varying container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used for the steam connector, then the device structure is simple, but the connection safety is poor and accidental detachment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The steam connector is divided into a fixed part and a rotating head part, with the rotating head further segmented into discrete rotation positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). This segmentation allows the connector to achieve secure locking at specific angles while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design elements like bayonet connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a dynamic rotating head that can move between fixed angular positions during insertion and then locks into place. This dynamic element provides enhanced safety through positive locking at predetermined angles while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of spring-loaded locking mechanisms and guide pins.
2Ease of operation
If the mixing body is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the emulsion may splash during dispensing into containers of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing body is designed with sliding elements that allow it to move vertically along the steam connector. This dynamic positioning capability enables the mixing body to adapt to different container heights and sizes, preventing splashing by adjusting the dispensing position while maintaining a relatively simple structure through guide rails and spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing body is segmented into movable and fixed components, with the movable portion allowing vertical adjustment. This segmentation provides adaptability to varying container dimensions while keeping the overall structure simple through the use of independent adjustment mechanisms rather than completely redesigning the mixing body.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connector allows free rotation, then the ease of connection is high, but the dispensing direction cannot be controlled precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric guide pins and corresponding slots that guide the rotating head into specific angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) during insertion. This asymmetric design provides precise dispensing direction control while maintaining ease of operation through automatic alignment and locking during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning features where the asymmetric guide elements automatically orient the rotating head to the correct angular position during insertion, without requiring the user to manually adjust or calculate the precise angle. The spring-loaded locking mechanism then secures the position automatically.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the intake tube is rigid, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different milk container shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The intake tube is constructed from flexible material that allows it to deform and adapt to different milk container shapes and sizes. This flexible design provides universal compatibility with various container types while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of elastic memory materials that return to their original shape after deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intake tube utilizes materials with specific elastic properties that allow it to change its physical parameters (shape, curvature) in response to external forces from different container geometries. This parameter change capability enables adaptation to various containers while keeping the tube structure simple and interchangeable.
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 device provides enhanced user safety, easy cleaning, and adaptable operation, preventing accidental detachment and splashing, while ensuring efficient emulsification and hygiene by utilizing safety mechanisms and deformable materials for secure and precise milk handling.
Implementation Method 1
a main steam connector (2) for connecting to the coffee machine (3) in such a way that the dispensing of steam therefrom under pressure generates a vacuum, by virtue of the Venturi effect, capable of drawing a pre-established amount of milk
Data Source
AI summary
The device for emulsifying a milk-based beverage for coffee machines comprising, operatively associated with one another, a main steam connector (2) for connecting to the coffee machine (3), an intake tube (5) for drawing milk from a milk container (4), a mixing body (6), a steam connector (7) with a reducing hole (8) placed between said mixing body (6) and said main connector (2), a mixing element (9) and a stabilizing element (10) associated with the mixing body (6), the main steam connector (2) comprising a first safety means (11) for the safe connection thereof to said coffee machine and second safety means (12) for the limited rotation of the head of the head (13) of the main connector (2) so as to direct the emulsified beverage into a container (14).