Installation device for manufacturing pour-over drinks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in beverage makers face challenges in dissipating moisture-containing air, leading to unpleasant odors and discomfort for users due to the direction of moist air discharge, which is typically towards the user.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves redirecting the moisture-air flow from the ventilation device to condense on a side wall or shelf within the device, allowing the condensate to collect in a drip tray, eliminating the direct discharge of moist air towards the user by using an exhaust air line that points towards the storage area or side wall, often made of Plexiglas for enhanced condensation and easy drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exhaust air opening discharges moisture-containing air directly to the environment, then moisture removal is effective, but the user experiences unpleasant odors and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust air duct serves as an intermediary component that redirects the moisture-containing air flow away from the user. The duct channels the air through a path that terminates at the storage area or side wall rather than directly toward the user, effectively mediating between the ventilation device and the environment to eliminate the harmful effect of unpleasant air discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discharging exhaust air in the conventional direction (toward the front where the user is positioned), the invention inverts the discharge direction by orienting the exhaust air opening toward the storage area or side wall. This inversion transforms the harmful front-directed discharge into a beneficial rearward or lateral discharge that condenses on cooler surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the exhaust air opening is redirected towards the storage area, then user comfort improves, but condensate collection becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area surface acts as a self-service condensate collection surface. When exhaust air is directed toward the storage area, moisture condenses directly on this surface, which is already designed to receive and drain liquids (as it functions as a drip tray). The system utilizes the existing self-draining capability of the storage area to automatically collect condensate without requiring additional complex collection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the exhaust air discharge function with the existing storage area/drip tray function. By directing exhaust air toward the storage area, the condensate from moisture condensation is collected by the same surface that already serves to catch and drain spilled beverages. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate condensate collection system.
3Productivity
If the storage area surface is used for condensate collection, then drainage efficiency improves, but the surface material must support condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies that the storage area surface should have a smooth, non-porous characteristic to facilitate condensation. By changing the surface parameter (smoothness and non-porosity), the surface becomes suitable for both its original function (receiving and draining spilled liquids) and the new function (collecting condensate from exhaust air). This parameter change enables the dual functionality without requiring a completely different material.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage area surface is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a platform for placing vessels, a drainage surface for spilled liquids, and a condensate collection surface for moisture from exhaust air. This multi-functionality is achieved by selecting materials and designing surfaces that can handle both liquid spillage and vapor condensation, reducing the need for separate components.
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
This approach significantly improves user comfort by preventing the unpleasant air flow and simplifies condensate collection and disposal, optimizing space and reducing cleaning needs within the compact built-in device.
Implementation Method 1
the exhaust air opening at the end of which points in the direction of the storage area or is directed against a side wall delimiting the storage area... the moisture condenses directly onto the storage area or side wall, condenses there into water droplets
Implementation Method 2
ultimately flows through the drainage openings in the storage area into the drip tray located below the storage area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Built-in appliance (1) for the production of infused beverages, comprising: - a heating device for heating water and/or for producing steam, - a brewing unit for preparing the infused beverage, - a dispensing device (2) with at least one beverage outlet (3) designed for dispensing the infused beverage produced in the built-in appliance (1), - a storage area (5) forming part of a storage area (4), which is arranged below the beverage outlet (3) and is suitable for placing a container to be filled with the infused beverage, - a ventilation device for drying and/or removing moisture generated within the built-in appliance (1), wherein at least one exhaust air opening (6) is provided for removing the moisture to the environment, characterized in that an exhaust air line (7) is provided for removing the moisture-laden airflow generated by the ventilation device to the environment.whose end-side exhaust opening (6) points towards the storage area (5) or is directed against a side wall (8, 9) that delimits the storage area (4).