Gravity-Return Container Support for Spill-Safe Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines, such as coffee machines, fail to adapt effectively to containers of different sizes, often resulting in incorrect support alignment and distance between the beverage outlet and container, leading to potential spills and hygiene issues, and are not user-friendly or easy to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A movable support element that adjusts to accommodate small and large containers by rotating or sliding, with a built-in drip collection system and locking mechanism controlled by the device's on/off button, ensuring optimal beverage flow and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support elements are placed in superposition to accommodate different container sizes, then the device can adapt to various container sizes, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a deployed position for small containers and a retracted position for large containers. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for multiple static support elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
A single support element serves multiple functions by being able to accommodate both small containers (in deployed position) and large containers (in retracted position). This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate support elements, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support elements are placed in superposition to accommodate different container sizes, then the device can adapt to various container sizes, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to risk of spilling and incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment where the container itself triggers the support element to move to the appropriate position. When a large container is placed, it automatically pushes the support element to the retracted position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of user error.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical manipulation of multiple support elements is replaced with an automatic mechanical response where the container's weight and position directly control the support element's movement, making the system more intuitive and easier to operate.
3Ease of operation
If the support element is fixed in a deployed position, then small containers are properly supported, but large containers cannot be accommodated due to insufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The support element transitions from a fixed deployed position to a movable structure that can be pushed back when a large container is present. This dynamic behavior allows the same element to provide proper support for small containers while creating necessary space for large containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into movable segments that can independently adjust their position. The support element can be pushed back along its axis of rotation, creating segmented positioning zones that accommodate different container sizes appropriately.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support element is pushed back to accommodate large containers, then space is freed up, but the support element must be manually reset which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support element automatically returns to its deployed position through its own weight and gravity when the large container is removed, eliminating the need for manual resetting. The system serves itself by using the absence of the container as the trigger for returning to the initial position.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational force acting on the support element serves as a counterbalancing mechanism that automatically returns the element to its deployed position after being pushed back, eliminating the need for additional mechanical reset mechanisms.
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 solution allows for seamless adaptation to various container sizes, preventing spills and maintaining cleanliness, while simplifying user interaction and maintenance through a modular design that ensures proper beverage delivery and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the support element is arranged in articulation on the device so as to be able to be pushed back at least partially when positioning a larger container and to fall by gravity under the drink outlet when the user removes said container
Implementation Method 2
a liquid collection tank which is arranged to receive the liquid recovered by the support element when the latter is positioned in the pushed back position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a base (2), and a drop recuperation and support system (9), which has a support element (10) to receive a small size container. The element is movable along a deployed support position, to receive the container, and a partially moved position, to push the element so as to liberate a free space permitting to position a large size container in the place of the former container, below an outlet (7) of a beverage. The system has a liquid storage container receiving the liquid recuperated by the element during the moved position, where the element and the container form a slide.