Magnetic Double-Outlet Coffee Spout for Easy Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensing devices for coffee machines are expensive to implement and difficult to clean due to their complex design, which hinders their economical and ergonomic functionality.

Innovation Solution

A simplified beverage dispensing device with a single coffee outlet nozzle compatibility, utilizing a ferromagnetic part or magnet for easy assembly and separation, along with a compact design featuring a cylindrical protrusion and orientation face for positioning, and a conical protrusion to manage coffee flow and prevent splashing, allowing for easy cleaning and efficient distribution into two receptacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a beverage dispensing device with multiple parts is used to divide coffee into two containers, then the beverage can be distributed into two receptacles, but the device becomes expensive to implement and difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage distribution capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beverage dispensing device is divided into separable components: a removable distribution element with two outlets that can be detached from the coffee machine nozzle. This segmentation allows the distribution function to be maintained while enabling easy cleaning of individual parts and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution element is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable to the coffee outlet nozzle through magnetic holding means. This dynamic configuration allows the device to transition between a attached state for beverage distribution and a detached state for cleaning, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the dispensing device is attached to the coffee machine, then beverage distribution function is enabled, but cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage distribution functionVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution element is segmented as a separate removable component rather than a fixed attachment, allowing it to be detached for cleaning while maintaining its beverage distribution function when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced or thoroughly cleaned, reducing the need for complex cleaning mechanisms and making maintenance more practical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If magnetic holding means are used for assembly and separation, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidholding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms (screws, clips, latches) are replaced with magnetic holding means, simplifying the assembly and separation process while reducing mechanical complexity. The magnetic field provides sufficient holding force without requiring complex mechanical interlocking structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a cost-effective, ergonomic, and easy-to-clean beverage dispensing system that can be easily assembled and disassembled, ensuring even distribution of coffee into two containers while maintaining a compact size and preventing splashing.

Implementation Method 1

the means for holding the device comprise a ferromagnetic part or a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the bottom comprises a protrusion, in particular of conical shape, intended to cooperate with a dispensing opening of the coffee outlet nozzle. This arrangement makes it possible to direct the flow of coffee from the coffee outlet nozzle which may be jerky and thus avoid splashing.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction:

Data Source

PatentEP3097828B1Removable beverage distribution device with double outlet and coffee machine with such a device

Publication Date: 2018.05.09 SEB SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (30) for dispensing a beverage comprising an inlet duct (31) intended to cooperate with a coffee outlet nozzle (2) of a coffee machine (1) and two dispensing ducts (32, 33) of the drink intended to pour the drink from the coffee outlet nozzle (2) into two containers. The dispensing device (30) comprises holding (43) and positioning (41, 42) means intended to cooperate with holding (12) and positioning (11, 13) means arranged on the coffee outlet nozzle ( 2), said holding (12, 43) and positioning (11, 13, 41, 42) means making it possible to assemble or separate the device (30) from the coffee outlet nozzle (2) without using a tool. In accordance with the invention, the means for holding said device comprise a ferromagnetic part or a magnet.