Insertable Steam Nozzle for Capsule Coffee Milk Frothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee machines with separate steam nozzles or milk frothers require additional installation space and complex handling, especially when not in use, as they are permanently installed regardless of user demand.
Innovation Solution
A steam nozzle with a pad- or capsule-shaped body that can be inserted into the brewing head of a coffee machine, allowing for space-efficient use and easy handling, featuring a rotatable and detachable steam pipe, detection device for automatic recognition, and compatibility with existing coffee machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam nozzle or milk frother is permanently installed in the coffee machine, then the functionality for producing mixed coffee drinks is available, but the installation space requirement increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam nozzle is designed with a capsule-shaped body that nests within the brewing head chamber, utilizing the existing space allocated for coffee capsules. The steam pipe is housed within the nozzle body, and the foam nozzle is attached to the steam pipe, creating a compact nested structure that fits within the brewing head without requiring additional installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The brewing head is designed to accommodate multiple types of inserts: coffee capsules, coffee pads, and the steam nozzle. The detection device universally identifies whether a capsule, pad, or steam nozzle is present, allowing the brewing head to serve multiple functions - both coffee preparation and steam generation for mixed drinks - without requiring separate dedicated structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam nozzle or milk frother is permanently installed in the coffee machine, then the functionality for producing mixed coffee drinks is available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam nozzle combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the capsule-shaped body provides structural integration with the brewing head, the steam pipe delivers steam, and the foam nozzle attached to the steam pipe enables milk frothing. This merging of functions into one insertable component avoids the complexity of separate steam generation and frothing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device automatically identifies when a steam nozzle is inserted and triggers the steam generation process without requiring manual intervention or complex control logic. The system self-adjusts based on the detected insert type, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If a removable steam nozzle is docked at a separate docking station, then the steam nozzle can be easily attached and removed, but the installation space requirement increases and the device complexity increases due to the docking station and cable routing
Solution Approach 1:
The steam nozzle is merged with the brewing head functionality, eliminating the need for a separate docking station. The nozzle is designed to be inserted directly into the brewing head chamber alongside or替代 coffee capsules, combining the attachment mechanism with the existing coffee preparation infrastructure and avoiding additional space requirements for separate docking infrastructure.
4Ease of operation
If a removable steam nozzle is docked at a separate docking station, then the steam nozzle can be easily attached and removed, but the device complexity increases due to the docking station and cable routing
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generation functionality is extracted from the main machine body and placed into a removable nozzle that can be inserted into the brewing head. This extraction allows the steam nozzle to be easily attached and removed without requiring complex docking infrastructure, while the detection device automatically manages the steam generation process, reducing control complexity.
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 production of mixed coffee drinks like cappuccinos with reduced space requirements and simple operation, maintaining a compact design while allowing for easy cleaning and storage, and compatibility with conventional coffee machines.
Implementation Method 1
the generation of steam being controlled via the known user interface, for example via a start/stop button, with the heating energy for generating steam being supplied via the heating system of the coffee machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coffee machine (1) with a brewing head (2) for receiving a pod or a capsule, the brewing head (2) being able to be opened for inserting and removing the pod or capsule, and with an outlet opening (4 ) to dispense coffee. It is essential to the invention that a steam nozzle (5) with a steam pipe (6) that can be inserted into the brewing head (2) is provided, the steam nozzle (5) having a pad-shaped or capsule-shaped base body (7) with which it can be used like a pad or a capsule can be inserted into the brewing head (2) and with the brewing head (2) being closed, the steam pipe (6) is guided to the outside via the outlet opening (4). This allows a simple, space-saving steam generation to be implemented.