Magnetic Cup Holder Grid and Tray for Easy Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee machine holders with grids and trays are difficult to detach for cleaning, leading to potential breakage when not interlocked and are hard to remove when interlocked, complicating the process of emptying liquid residues.

Innovation Solution

A holder with a grid and tray that are mutually constrained magnetically, providing stability and mechanical strength while allowing easy detachment for cleaning and emptying, featuring a ferromagnetic grid and a molded plastic tray with integrated permanent magnets for secure coupling and easy disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the grid is simply resting on the tray, then the holder is easy to disassemble, but the grid lacks mechanical strength and stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidmechanical strength of grid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interlocking system with a magnetic field-based constraint system. Permanent magnets embedded in the tray create magnetic attraction forces that hold the grid securely in place without requiring mechanical interlocks, thereby maintaining grid strength while enabling easy magnetic-based attachment and detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the constraint mechanism from mechanical (interlocking) to magnetic (field-based attraction). By embedding permanent magnets in the tray, the grid is constrained through magnetic forces, providing both stability during use and ease of removal when the magnetic constraint is released, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the grid is interlocked on the tray, then the grid has sufficient mechanical strength, but it is difficult to remove the grid for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of gridVSAvoidease of removal for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical interlocking mechanisms with a simpler magnetic constraint system. The permanent magnets in the tray provide secure holding force during operation, but allow easy detachment by simply overcoming the magnetic attraction, eliminating the difficulty of removing interlocked grids for cleaning while maintaining grid strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the constraint mechanism from a mechanical interlocking system (requiring manual manipulation to disengage) to a magnetic field-based system (where detachment is achieved by simply pulling against magnetic attraction). This parameter change enables the grid to maintain strength during use while being easily removable for cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the tray is removed to empty liquid residues, then liquid can be emptied, but the grid must also be removed to prevent breakage when not interlocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of emptying liquidVSAvoidnumber of removal steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the grid and tray into a single constrained assembly using magnetic forces. The grid is magnetically attached to the tray, forming a unified structure that can be handled as one unit. This eliminates the need for separate removal operations - the grid remains attached to the tray during emptying, and both are removed together as a single step, reducing device complexity and operation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic constraint to replace mechanical fastening systems that would require multiple components and steps to assemble and disassemble. The magnetic field holds the grid and tray together securely, allowing them to be handled as a single unit during emptying operations, thereby reducing the number of removal steps and overall device complexity.

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 magnetic coupling ensures a stable and secure assembly during use while facilitating easy removal and cleaning of the holder components, allowing for efficient liquid drainage and simplified maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

said grid and said tray are mutually constrained magnetically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

featuring a ferromagnetic grid and a molded plastic tray with integrated permanent magnets for secure coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8789457B2Holder for cups or other containers in machines for preparing beverages

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 VERSUNI HLDG BV

AI summary

A holder includes a grid and a tray below to collect any liquids flowing through the grid. The grid and the tray are mutually constrained magnetically.