Foldable Cup Shelf for Stable Dispensing Height in Coffee Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In coffee machines, varying cup sizes lead to uneven dispensing heights, causing coffee and milk froth to splatter and damage crema, as existing solutions require complex height adjustments with electric drives or media hoses that complicate handling and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable shelf with two sections that pivot and fold, allowing for mechanical adjustment without electric drives, providing a stable and variable storage surface that integrates seamlessly into the drip grid, eliminating the need for media hoses and simplifying operation and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a uniform dispensing position is used for all cup sizes, then the structure is simple, but coffee and milk froth splatter and crema is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed with two sections that can be relatively moved to each other, transforming a static uniform structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the storage surface to adapt to different cup heights, preventing splatter while maintaining structural simplicity through mechanical movement rather than complex electronic controls
2Reliability
If height-adjustable beverage outlets with media hoses are used, then beverage quality is preserved, but handling and cleaning become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex media hose system from the height adjustment mechanism. Instead of moving beverage outlets with hoses, it simply adjusts the storage surface height mechanically, removing the source of cleaning complications while preserving beverage quality through proper dispensing height
3Measurement precision
If electric drives are used for height adjustment, then precise positioning is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf uses gravity and simple mechanical interlocking (protrusion-recess engagement) to achieve positioning without electric drives. The user manually adjusts the shelf by pushing it to desired positions, and the mechanical features self-lock at standardized height levels, providing sufficient precision without complex actuation systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Height-adjustable shelf (3) for storing containers (T1, T2) for drinks, the shelf (3) having two shelf sections that can be rotated and/or pivoted relative to one another, namely a first section (1) and a second section (2). , wherein the first section (1) can be moved in space to change position and by a position-changing movement (B) of the first section (1) and by rotating and/or pivoting (V) the first (1) and the second ( 2) section relative to each other, the second section (2) from a first position (2-1) suitable for placing a container (T1) on the second section (2) into a second position (2-1) also suitable for placing a container (T2) on the second section (2) suitable position (2-2) can be brought.