Flexible-Pipe Milk Dispenser for Multi-Height Cup Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional milk containers for coffee machines lack versatile adjustment mechanisms, limiting the ability to dispense milk into cups of varying heights and preventing simultaneous dispensing into multiple cups, which reduces coffee machine productivity.
Innovation Solution
A milk container with a flexible pipe connection allows the milk dispenser to be adjustable in height and position, enabling simultaneous dispensing into multiple cups by hooking to an external coffee dispenser, with the flexibility of the pipe allowing adaptation to different cup heights and minimizing overall dimensions for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex movement mechanism is used to adjust the milk dispenser position, then the position can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complex and versatility is still insufficient for different cup heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed adjustment mechanisms with a dynamic flexible pipe connection that allows the milk dispenser to move freely in space. The flexible pipe enables continuous position adjustment rather than discrete steps, providing adaptability to various cup heights without complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the connection from rigid to flexible, allowing the milk dispenser to achieve multiple positions through the flexibility of the pipe rather than through complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This parameter change enables versatile positioning while simplifying the overall structure.
2Productivity
If the milk dispenser is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different cup heights or dispense into multiple cups simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pipe connection enables the milk dispenser to serve multiple functions: it can dispense into single or multiple cups simultaneously, adapt to different cup heights, and maintain a compact configuration when not in use. This single flexible connection provides multi-functionality without requiring multiple complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic flexibility of the pipe allows the milk dispenser to be positioned for single or multiple cup dispensing as needed, enabling the system to adapt its configuration for different productivity requirements without structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the milk dispenser is positioned remotely from the containment body, then it can reach different cup positions, but the overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible pipe to connect the milk dispenser to the containment body, allowing the dispenser to extend to remote positions when needed while maintaining a compact overall configuration. The flexible pipe acts as a space-efficient connection that does not increase the permanent dimensions of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning capability provided by the flexible pipe allows the milk dispenser to extend remotely during operation but return to a compact configuration during storage, effectively managing the volume requirement while maintaining positioning flexibility.
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 and simultaneous dispensing of cappuccinos into tall or short cups, improving coffee machine productivity by allowing easy adjustment of the milk and coffee dispensers to match cup heights, while maintaining compact storage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible pipe for the flexible mechanical and hydraulic connection of the external dispenser of the mixed milk to said outlet channel
Implementation Method 2
a mixing unit at least comprising a mixing chamber, a channel for supplying milk to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying steam to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying air to the mixing chamber, and an outlet channel for milk mixed with air and steam from the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a channel for supplying steam to the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 4
a channel for supplying air to the mixing chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The milk container (1) that can be associated with a coffee machine (2) having in turn an external coffee dispenser (3), comprises: - a containment body (4) for containing milk; - a mixing unit (6) at least comprising a mixing chamber (7), a channel (8) for supplying milk to the mixing chamber (7), a channel (9) for supplying steam to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying air to the mixing chamber (7), and an outlet channel (10) for milk mixed with air and steam from the mixing chamber (7); - an external milk dispenser (11) having hooking means to the external coffee dispenser (3); - and at least one flexible pipe (12) for the flexible mechanical and hydraulic connection of the external dispenser (11) of the mixed milk to the outlet channel (10).