Milk Beverage Device Coupling System for Sealed Steam Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with steam outlet nozzle tips for producing milk-based beverages often experience steam leaks or unsafe steam jetting due to incorrect device positioning, requiring costly modifications for safety and ergonomic improvements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a coupling system featuring a movable jaw and a fixed jaw for secure sealing between the steam outlet nozzle tip and steam inlet duct, allowing for easy compatibility with standard coffee machines without modifying the control system, and an angled steam outlet nozzle tip to direct steam downwards in case of incorrect operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple friction-based coupling system is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and install, but steam leaks and safety hazards occur due to incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system employs a movable jaw that can transition between an open position (for easy device installation) and a closed position (for secure sealed connection). This dynamic mechanism ensures reliable sealing while maintaining ease of manufacture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the simple friction-based mechanical coupling with a jaw-based mechanical fastening system. The fixed jaw and movable jaw work together to clamp the device securely to the steam outlet nozzle tip, providing reliable sealing through mechanical constraint rather than relying solely on friction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a detection system is added to the coffee machine, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs preliminary action by ensuring the device is securely coupled to the steam outlet nozzle tip before steam can be released. The movable jaw must be in the closed position to establish a proper sealed connection, preventing steam leaks and safety hazards without requiring additional detection systems or control modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is self-regulating through its mechanical design. The fixed jaw and movable jaw automatically ensure proper positioning and sealing when the device is installed, making the system self-checking without requiring external detection systems or control modifications to the coffee machine.
3Device complexity
If the steam outlet nozzle tip is arranged horizontally, then the device structure is simple, but steam may jet towards the user causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of horizontal steam jetting towards the user into a benefit by using the same horizontal orientation for the steam inlet duct, but directing the steam flow through the sealed connection established by the fixed jaw and movable jaw. The secure coupling ensures steam is contained and directed through the intended path rather than leaking out, transforming the safety risk into a safe operating condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
- The invention relates to a device (30) for producing a milk-based beverage intended to cooperate with a steam outlet nozzle (2) of a coffee machine (1), the device (30) comprising a steam inlet conduit (70). - According to the invention, the device (30) comprises a coupling system to the steam outlet nozzle (2) comprising at least one jaw (40) movable between a coupled position in which a tight connection is established between the steam outlet nozzle (2) and the steam inlet conduit (70) and in which the device (30) cannot be separated from the steam outlet nozzle (2), and an uncoupled position in which the device (30) can be separated from the steam outlet nozzle (2).