Milk container that can be associated with a coffee machine and coffee machine having such a milk container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee machines face limitations in productivity due to inflexible milk dispenser mechanisms that cannot adapt to varying cup heights, preventing simultaneous dispensing into multiple cups.
Innovation Solution
A milk container with a flexible pipe connection to an external coffee dispenser, allowing adjustable positioning and simultaneous dispensing into cups of different heights, utilizing a mixing unit integrated into the milk container's cover with a flexible pipe for mechanical and hydraulic connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex movement mechanism is used for the milk dispenser, then the position adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to different cup heights is still insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent components: the milk container with mixing unit remains stationary while the external milk dispenser is separated and can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the dispenser to be freely adjusted without complex mechanisms in the main container.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose connects the external milk dispenser to the mixing unit, replacing rigid mechanical movement mechanisms. The hose's flexibility enables the dispenser to be positioned at various locations and heights without requiring complex articulated joints or drive mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the milk dispenser position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to inability to serve multiple cups simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The external milk dispenser is made dynamically positionable relative to the coffee dispenser, allowing it to be adjusted to match the height and position of cups being served. This dynamic positioning enables simultaneous service of multiple cups at different heights without adding complex automated movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The external milk dispenser is designed to work with the coffee dispenser in a coordinated manner, sharing the same positioning and control system. This multi-functionality allows the combined unit to serve both coffee and milk simultaneously to multiple cups, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the milk dispenser is integrated into the milk container, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different cup heights and positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The milk dispenser function is extracted from the milk container and implemented as a separate external unit. This extraction allows the dispenser to be independently positioned and oriented to match various cup positions and heights, while the milk container remains a simple, stationary reservoir with mixing capabilities.
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 the coffee machine to efficiently dispense cappuccinos into both tall and short cups simultaneously, improving productivity and adaptability by allowing the milk and coffee dispensers to be oriented correctly for direct dispensing into cups.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible pipe for the flexible mechanical and hydraulic connection of the external dispenser of the mixed milk to said outlet channel
Implementation Method 2
at least one flexible pipe for the flexible mechanical and hydraulic connection of the external dispenser of the mixed milk to said outlet channel
Data Source
AI summary
A milk container that can be associated with a coffee machine having in turn an external coffee dispenser that includes a containment body for containing milk; a mixing unit at least having a mixing chamber, a channel for supplying milk to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying steam to the mixing chamber, a channel for supplying air to the mixing chamber, and an outlet channel for milk mixed with air and steam from the mixing chamber; an external milk dispenser having hooking means to the external coffee dispenser; and at least one flexible pipe for the flexible mechanical and hydraulic connection of the external dispenser of the mixed milk to the outlet channel.