Rotary stirring device for a beverage preparation machine provided with a magnetic coupling device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines with rotary stirring devices face challenges in intuitive coupling and detachment of tubular parts with drive shafts, leading to potential leaks and incorrect assembly due to complex coupling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic coupling device is used between the tubular part and the drive shaft, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly by magnetic attraction, along with anti-slip mechanical stops for secure alignment and an optical detection system to ensure proper coupling and prevent rotation issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex coupling device is used to connect the tubular section with the drive shaft, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes non-intuitive and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical coupling device with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic field provides secure connection while allowing intuitive assembly through simple approach-and-connect motion, and easy disassembly through pulling motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the coupling mechanism from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of the coupling force. This allows the connection to be both strong (high reliability) and easily controllable (high ease of operation) through magnetic field strength adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of repair

If a removable coupling device is used to facilitate cleaning, then the tubular section can be disassembled, but the connection may inadvertently detach during rotation or cause leaks under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system replaces the removable mechanical coupling, providing continuous secure connection during rotation and pressure operation while still allowing easy separation for cleaning when needed. The magnetic force maintains reliable connection under dynamic conditions without the risk of inadvertent detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary force between the tubular section and drive shaft, providing a connection that is both secure during operation and easily separable for maintenance. This intermediary magnetic force eliminates the trade-off between connection stability and cleaning accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the coupling device requires manipulation for assembly and disassembly, then the connection can be controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection controlVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system eliminates the need for manual manipulation of complex coupling mechanisms. Assembly is achieved by simply bringing components together where magnetic attraction automatically secures the connection, and disassembly requires only a pulling motion, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining connection control.

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 enhances user safety and efficiency by ensuring secure and intuitive coupling, preventing leaks, and facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance, while maintaining the integrity of the beverage preparation process.

Implementation Method 1

the second coupling device is a magnetic coupling device configured to generate a magnetic attraction force along axis A between a driving wall of the drive shaft and a receiving wall of the second end of the tubular part so as to transmit the rotational motion of the drive shaft to the rotating tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3626138B1Rotary stirring device for a beverage preparation machine provided with a magnetic coupling device
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 SEB SA
  • EP3626138B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3626138B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3626138B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a rotary stirring device (6) for a beverage preparation machine (1), comprising a rotating tool (7) about an axis A and a conduit (24) for conveying hot water and/or steam to the rotary tool, having a tubular portion (20) extending along the axis A between a first end (22) coupled to the rotary tool and a second end (23) coupled to a hollow drive shaft (12) by means of a magnetic coupling device (25) configured to generate a magnetic attraction force along the axis A between a driving wall (26) of the drive shaft and a receiving wall (27) of the second end of the tubular portion, so as to transmit the rotational motion of the drive shaft to the rotary tool, the second end of the tubular portion and the drive shaft each comprising a magnetic element or magnetizable.