Milk Frother Drive Module for Safer Washing and Quick Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for preparing hot beverages, such as cappuccino, require multiple connection and disconnection operations and pose risks of water penetration and short-circuiting during washing, making them cumbersome and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation apparatus with a drive module and container system that integrates a multipolar electrical connector and a fluid inlet union, allowing for simplified connection and disconnection, with a steam dispensing wand inclined to facilitate frothing, and a design that separates the electric motor from the washing process, ensuring safer and easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric motor is mounted inside the cover and connected to power socket via cable, then the stirring function is achieved, but the washing process becomes complex and risky due to water penetration risks
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: the drive module containing the electric motor is separated from the container and cover that require washing. This segmentation allows the washing process to focus only on the container and cover, eliminating the risk of water penetration into the motor compartment while maintaining the stirring function through magnetic coupling across the cover interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is extracted from the cover assembly and placed in a separate drive module. The motor shaft extends through the cover, allowing the motor to be positioned outside the washable components. This extraction eliminates the need to disconnect electrical cables during washing, simplifying the washing process and eliminating short-circuit risks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interconnection operations are performed for motor and steam supply, then the apparatus functionality is complete, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module is designed to integrate multiple functions: the electric motor, the stirring mechanism, and the steam supply connection are combined into a single modular unit that attaches to the container. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection operations for motor power and steam supply, reducing the number of steps required while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical stirring through the motor-driven stirrer, supplies steam through the integrated steam wand, and houses the electrical connector. This multi-functionality in a single module reduces the complexity of connection operations while maintaining complete apparatus functionality.
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 apparatus reduces the number of connection/disconnection operations and eliminates the risk of water entering the motor compartment, making the preparation process safer and easier, while allowing for efficient washing of the container and cover.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (22) contained in a drive module (20)
Implementation Method 2
a steam dispensing wand (13) engaged inside said container (2) and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of said container
Implementation Method 3
hot steam source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The apparatus (1) comprises: a container (2); a removable cover (3), suitable for closing the container (2); a rotating stirrer (6) which extends inside the container (2) and is provided with an end impeller (8); an electric motor (22), for driving the stirrer (6) via a coupling joint (9, 10, 23, 26); and a hot steam dispensing wand (13) extending inside the container (2) and connectable to the steam source (52) of a coffee machine (CM) via a connection union (12) associated with the cover (3). The electric motor (22) is contained in a housing (21) which is separate and distinct from the cover (3) and is connected or able to be connected to power supply terminals (49, 50) with which the coffee machine (CM) is provided. The cover (3) is designed to support the stirrer (6) rotatably and the inlet fluid connector (12) thereof is able to be directly connected to a steam dispensing fluid union or socket (48) of the coffee machine (CM). The coupling joint comprises first and second coupling members (9, 10; 23, 26) which are separate and distinct from each other and connected to the shaft of the motor (22) and to the end of the stirrer (6) opposite the impeller (8) and close to the cover (3), respectively. The housing (21) and the cover (3) can be coupled together in an operating configuration in which the coupling members (9, 10; 23, 26) allow transmission of the rotation from the motor (22) to the stirrer (6) and in which the fluid inlet union (12) of the cover (3) can be directly connected to a steam dispensing socket (48) of the machine (CM).