Dual Hot Water Outlets for Simultaneous Beverage Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drinks machines are not capable of preparing multiple drinks simultaneously using hot water or brewing drinks with both pre-made and hot water at the same time, limiting their functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drinks machine design featuring two separate hot water dispensing devices arranged at a distance from each other, with individual control units and height-adjustable outlets, allowing for simultaneous preparation of multiple drinks using hot water and pre-made beverages, along with a dual heating system for temperature control, enabling efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single hot water dispensing device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because only one drink can be prepared at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The hot water dispensing system is segmented into multiple independent dispensing devices (first and second dispensing devices) positioned at different locations above the shelf. Each device can operate independently to dispense hot water into separate containers, enabling simultaneous preparation of multiple drinks without requiring a single complex centralized system.
2Productivity
If outlets are arranged close together, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because containers cannot be placed side by side
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple outlets close together in a single location (one-dimensional arrangement), the invention positions dispensing devices at different horizontal locations above the shelf (utilizing two-dimensional space). This spatial distribution allows containers to be placed side by side under each dispensing device, enabling simultaneous drink preparation while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
3Productivity
If multiple dispensing devices are used, then the productivity increases for simultaneous drink preparation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each dispensing device is equipped with sensors that automatically detect when a container is positioned below it and initiate hot water dispensing without requiring manual control input. The control unit receives signals from multiple sensors and independently controls each dispensing device, enabling automated simultaneous operation that reduces the complexity of user interaction while maintaining high productivity.
4Ease of operation
If dispensing devices are positioned far apart, then the ease of operation improves for placing containers, but the loss of substance increases due to larger machine footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing devices are positioned at different horizontal locations above the shelf rather than being spread out in a single line, utilizing vertical and horizontal space efficiently. This three-dimensional arrangement provides adequate spacing for container placement and user access while maintaining a compact overall machine footprint, balancing ease of operation with space efficiency.
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 the preparation of multiple drinks at once, reducing time and energy consumption while ensuring safety and reducing beverage loss and cleaning effort, with the ability to operate one or both dispensing devices independently.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device for heating water to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
a pump for transporting water from the reservoir, past the heating device, to the dispensing devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A drinks machine (1) for producing infused drinks is presented, comprising: - at least one shelf (2) for at least one container to be filled with a drink and/or hot water, - at least one outlet (3) arranged above this shelf (2), 4) for a drink prepared in the drinks machine (1) and a dispensing device (5) for dispensing hot water. The solution according to the invention can be seen in the fact that the drinks machine (1) has at least one second dispensing device (6) for dispensing hot water above the storage surface (2), which is arranged at a distance from the first dispensing device (5) for dispensing hot water.