Modular Ice Channel Layout for Precise Beverage Ice Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage-dispensing machines face challenges in producing high-quality beverages and efficiently dispensing ice in precise portions while ensuring easy cleaning of the ice-feeding device.
Innovation Solution
The ice-feeding device is positioned above the coffee machine unit with a detachable tubular ice channel leading to the outlet, featuring a branch valve with a pivoting flap and a measuring means for controlled ice dispensing, allowing for precise and easy assembly, disassembly, and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ice channel is made as a single integrated component, then the structure is simpler, but cleaning becomes difficult and blockages are more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The ice channel is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be separated from each other. Each section can be independently removed and cleaned, eliminating the difficulty of cleaning integrated channels while maintaining structural simplicity when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If the ice channel is made detachable for easy cleaning, then cleaning becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into standardized modular sections with simple connection interfaces. This segmentation enables easy disassembly for cleaning while the modular design keeps the overall structural complexity manageable through repeated standard components.
3Device complexity
If ice is dispensed without portion control, then the dispensing process is simpler, but measurement precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A measuring device is integrated into the ice dispensing system to detect the quantity of ice being dispensed. The system uses feedback from this measurement to control the dispensing process, ensuring precise portion control while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated control.
4Device complexity
If the branch valve flap is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but ice blockages occur between the flap and wall
Solution Approach 1:
The branch valve flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically. This movement prevents ice cubes from becoming trapped between the flap and the valve wall, ensuring reliable ice flow while adding minimal structural complexity through the movement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage-dispensing machine (10) comprises a cabinet housing (11), in which at least a coffee machine unit (16), a milk-frothing device, a water-heating device, an ice-feeding device (12) and an outlet unit (15) are located, the outlet unit being accessible at the front in the lower region of the coffee machine unit (16) and having a plurality of outlet openings (35) for the respective beverages. The ice-feeding device (12) is located above the coffee machine unit (16) in the cabinet housing (11). A tubular ice channel (20) leads to the outlet opening (35) of the outlet unit (15), and ice can be dropped through said tubular ice channel, said tubular ice channel (20) being composed of pieces which can be detached from each other. By means of this arrangement of the ice-feeding device and the ice channel, exact portions of ice can be dispensed in a simple way and without the risk of blockages. Because the ice channel is easy to assemble and disassemble, the ice channel can be completely cleaned and thus the required cleanliness of the ice channel is always ensured.