Modular Coffee Machine Frame Assembly to Reduce Production Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee machine assembly processes require multiple dedicated components for each type and model, complicating logistics, increasing production costs, and prolonging time to market due to complex assembly lines and testing procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular coffee machine design featuring a primary module with universal mechanical connections for structurally independent secondary modules, allowing for adaptable size, shape, and function, simplifying assembly and logistics by using a common primary module with interchangeable secondary modules for various types and models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated components are used for every machine type and model, then each machine can be assembled with specific components tailored to its requirements, but logistics become complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a common primary module that serves as the base for multiple coffee machine types and models. This primary module contains standardized components and connection interfaces that can accommodate different secondary modules, allowing a single module design to fulfill multiple machine configurations without requiring dedicated components for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coffee machine into distinct modular components: a primary module containing essential components (boiler, pump, control unit) and interchangeable secondary modules for different functions (espresso, cappuccino, latte). This segmentation allows independent assembly and disassembly of functional units, simplifying logistics and assembly processes while maintaining adaptability to various machine types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated components are stocked for every machine type and model, then assembly can be customized for each model, but storing and supplying components becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The primary module is designed as a universal base unit that can support multiple secondary modules for different coffee machine types. This universality reduces the total variety of components that need to be stocked, as the same primary module serves multiple model configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges common components (boiler, pump, control unit) into a single integrated primary module that is shared across all machine types. Only the function-specific secondary modules need to be varied, significantly reducing the overall component inventory required while maintaining the ability to assemble different machine types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex assembly lines are used to assemble dedicated components for each machine type, then each machine can be properly configured, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee machine is segmented into a pre-assembled primary module and separate secondary modules. The primary module comes pre-configured with essential components, reducing the assembly steps required on the production line. Workers only need to attach the appropriate secondary module to create different machine types, significantly simplifying and accelerating the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary module is prepared in advance with all essential components (boiler, pump, control unit) pre-installed and tested. This preliminary assembly action eliminates the need to install these common components separately for each machine type during the final assembly process, improving productivity while maintaining configuration accuracy.
4Reliability
If extensive testing and inspection procedures are performed on each machine type and model, then quality assurance is maintained, but time to market is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
Testing and inspection procedures are segmented and applied at the module level rather than the complete machine level. The primary module undergoes comprehensive testing once, and this certification applies to all machines using that module. Secondary modules undergo their own focused testing. This modular testing approach maintains quality assurance while significantly reducing the total testing time required compared to testing each complete machine type separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary module undergoes complete testing and validation in advance before being integrated into different machine configurations. This preliminary quality assurance action ensures that the core functionality is verified once, and subsequent assembly of different secondary modules does not require repeating the entire testing process, thereby reducing time to market while maintaining reliability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated frames are used for each coffee machine type and model, then each machine has its own optimized structure, but production costs and logistics are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal primary module that serves as the structural and functional base for multiple coffee machine types. This single module design replaces the need for multiple dedicated frames, simplifying manufacturing and logistics while maintaining the ability to create different machine configurations through module combination.
Data Source
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AI summary
The coffee machine (1) comprises a modular frame comprising a primary module (2) and structurally independent secondary modules (3, 4) rigidly connected with the primary module (2), primary components assembled in the primary module (2), and an aesthetic casing (5) for covering the modular frame, the secondary modules (3, 4) comprising at least one base secondary module (3) and at least one lateral secondary module (4), respectively, cooperating with the primary module (2) to define the height and the overall width, respectively, of the coffee machine (1).