Modular Coffee Machine Frame for Simplified Assembly and Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee machine assembly processes require numerous 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 frame system comprising 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 for various coffee machine 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, but logistics becomes complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a common frame structure that can be used across multiple coffee machine types and models. Instead of creating dedicated frames for each machine variant, a single standardized frame design serves multiple purposes, allowing different components and accessories to be mounted on the same base structure. This reduces the number of unique parts needed in inventory and simplifies logistics while maintaining the ability to produce various machine configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coffee machine into a standardized frame module and interchangeable component modules. The frame is designed as a separate, reusable base structure that can accommodate different brewing mechanisms, portafilters, and accessories. This segmentation allows the frame to be produced once and reused across multiple machine variants, while only the specific functional components need to be varied for different models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated components are used for every machine type and model, then each machine can be assembled correctly, but the assembly line and process become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The universal frame design allows the assembly line to work with a standardized base structure for all machine types. Workers can assemble different coffee machine models using the same frame assembly process, reducing the need for multiple specialized assembly lines. The standardized mounting points and interface specifications enable consistent assembly procedures across various models.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the machine into a common frame and interchangeable components, the assembly process is simplified to repetitive tasks of mounting standardized parts on the universal frame. This modular approach allows components to be pre-assembled and tested separately, then quickly installed on the frame, reducing overall assembly complexity and training requirements for workers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each machine type and model has its own dedicated frame, then the machine can be assembled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal frame design consolidates production resources by allowing a single frame design to serve multiple machine models. This reduces the total number of frames that need to be manufactured, stored, and managed in the production system. The standardized frame can be produced in larger volumes, achieving economies of scale that reduce per-unit costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the frame function across different machine types by creating a common structural platform. Instead of producing separate frames for each model, the production system produces one universal frame design that is then used as the base for multiple machine variants, combining production resources and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If each machine type and model has its own dedicated frame, then the machine can be assembled, but time to market increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal frame is designed and validated in advance as a standardized component that can be reused across multiple machine models. This preliminary development of the common frame structure eliminates the need to design and test a new frame for each machine variant, significantly reducing the time required to bring new models to market. The pre-established frame serves as a ready-made platform for rapid product development.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal frame design allows the company to launch new coffee machine models by simply adding or modifying components on the existing frame platform, rather than developing entirely new frame designs. This accelerates product development cycles and reduces time to market for new variants, as the core structural development has already been completed.
Data Source
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).