Modular Drink Machine Connector for Hydraulic and Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage preparation machines require a long assembly time and are difficult to disassemble, especially due to high assembly constraints related to food and hygiene standards, resistance to pressure and temperature, and electrical insulation, which limits modularity and maintenance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that allows for reversible hydraulic and electrical connections between beverage preparation machine modules and components, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and module interchangeability, reducing the need for complex connections and facilitating eco-design principles by allowing users to replace or add modules without disassembling the entire machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used for beverage preparation machine modules, then the machine can meet food and hygiene conditions, resistance to pressure and temperature, and electrical insulation requirements, but the assembly time is long and disassembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydraulic connection means and electrical connection means into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector simultaneously establishes both hydraulic and electrical connections when joining modules, eliminating the need for separate connection operations and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining all required compliance standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can connect different types of modules (boiler, pump, valve, etc.) to various machine components. This multi-functional connector handles both hydraulic and electrical connections in a single operation, making the assembly process faster and more standardized across different module types.
2Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used for beverage preparation machine modules, then the machine can meet food and hygiene conditions, resistance to pressure and temperature, and electrical insulation requirements, but the machine is difficult to disassemble for maintenance and exchange
Solution Approach 1:
By merging hydraulic and electrical connections into a single connector unit, the patent enables simultaneous disconnection of both connection types through one action. This makes module removal for maintenance or exchange simple and rapid, while the connector maintains all necessary compliance features during both assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the machine into modular components that can be independently removed and replaced. The connector facilitates this modularity by providing a standardized interface that allows quick separation of modules from the machine body, enabling easy maintenance and exchange without disassembling the entire machine.
3Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used for beverage preparation machine modules, then the machine can meet food and hygiene conditions, resistance to pressure and temperature, and electrical insulation requirements, but the modularity of the machine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The universal connector design enables the same connector type to be used across different module types and machine configurations. This standardization greatly enhances modularity, allowing users to easily add, remove, or interchange modules (such as adding a steam generator or replacing a boiler) without requiring different connection mechanisms, while maintaining all compliance requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (100) for a drink-preparation machine, including assembly means that can co-operate with a hydraulic member (400) and attachment means that can co-operate with a drink-preparation machine module (300) such that the connector (100) can be removably attached to the module (300) so as to provide a hydraulic connection between the hydraulic member (400) and the module (300). The invention is characterised in that it includes means for receiving an electrical component (200, 400), said means being arranged such that the removable attachment between the connector (100) and the module (300) can be used to establish an electrical connection between the module (300) and the electrical component (200, 400).