Device for producing milk-based beverages provided with a delivery pipe, and coffee machine comprising such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for producing milk-based beverages with coffee machines are cumbersome, requiring repositioning for different container sizes and relying on friction for positioning, which can lead to instability and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device with a steam inlet duct and a dispensing duct featuring magnetic holding and positioning means that allow easy assembly and separation from the coffee outlet nozzle, along with a movable coffee outlet nozzle to adapt to container height, and a flexible distribution duct for versatile positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distribution conduit is held in position by friction of a seal against the wall of a receiving housing, then the conduit can be easily positioned, but the positioning becomes unstable over time as friction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical positioning system with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic part or magnet at the end of the distribution conduit interacts with the receiving housing to provide stable positioning without relying on friction, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of retention from frictional force to magnetic force. By introducing a magnetic part or magnet, the system transitions from a friction-dependent mechanical connection to a magnetic field-based connection, which maintains consistent retention force without deterioration.
2Device complexity
If the dispensing duct has only one degree of rotational freedom, then the structure remains simple, but the end cannot be brought very close to the coffee outlet nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distribution conduit flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position and orientation. This flexibility enables the conduit end to be brought close to the coffee outlet nozzle while maintaining a simple overall structure, as the conduit can bend and move as needed without requiring complex rotational mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the end of the distribution conduit is positioned directly above the container opening, then splashes are prevented, but the user must reposition for containers of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible distribution conduit allows dynamic positioning of its end to adapt to different container sizes and shapes. The conduit can be maneuvered to position its end directly above various container openings while preventing splashes, eliminating the need for fixed positioning mechanisms or manual repositioning for different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit design provides universal adaptability to work with containers of various sizes and configurations. A single conduit design can serve multiple functions by being positioned differently, eliminating the need for multiple specialized positioning systems for different container types.
4Ease of operation
If a wide opening container is used to accommodate the dispensing duct, then the duct can be positioned, but the user cannot use containers with smaller openings
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible distribution conduit can be maneuvered and positioned to fit various container opening sizes, from wide to narrow. Its flexibility allows it to adapt to different geometries, enabling the use of a wide range of container sizes while maintaining ease of positioning and operation.
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
Enables easy and safe preparation of milk-based beverages in containers of varying sizes without tools, ensuring stable and efficient operation by allowing precise positioning and easy cleaning and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the means for retaining the end of the distribution conduit comprise a magnetic part or a magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (30) for producing a milk-based beverage comprising a steam inlet duct (70) intended to cooperate with a steam outlet nozzle tip (2) of a coffee machine ( 1) and a distribution duct (73) for the milk-based beverage. According to the invention, the distribution duct (73) comprises a free end (36) provided with means for holding (37) and positioning (39) of said end (36) intended to cooperate with means for holding (12 ) and positioning (11) arranged on a coffee outlet nozzle (5) of the coffee machine (1), said means for holding (12, 37) and positioning (11, 39) making it possible to assemble or separate the end (36) of the distribution duct (73) of the coffee outlet nozzle (5) without using a tool.