Machine for dispensing coffee or the like
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee dispensing machines are limited in allowing multiple types of sugar to be installed and selected by users, requiring maintenance operators to load a single predefined sweetener, lacking user preference customization and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A modular coffee dispensing machine with a supporting frame and mechanical/electronic couplings for selective installation of multiple sweetener boxes, each with independent gearmotors and dosage control, allowing configuration for one or multiple sweeteners and ensuring precise dosing through proportional gearmotor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single sweetener box is used in traditional machines, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability and versatility are worsened as multiple sweetener types cannot be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The sweetener dispensing system is segmented into multiple independent modular boxes, each capable of containing a different sweetener type. Each box is equipped with its own gearmotor and dosage means, allowing them to be independently installed, removed, and configured in the accommodation seat according to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodation seat and mechanical/electronic coupling system are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different types of sweetener boxes. The standardized coupling mechanism with engagement teeth and snap-acting teeth allows any box to be installed in any position, providing multi-functionality and versatility to the dispensing machine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sweetener boxes with independent gearmotors are installed, then the adaptability and user preference selection are improved, but the device complexity and provision costs are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sweetener dispensing function into separate modular boxes, each with its own gearmotor and dosage control. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce standardized components that can be independently manufactured and assembled, potentially reducing overall provision costs through modular production.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple boxes are essentially copies of the same modular design with identical mechanical and electronic coupling interfaces. Once the first box design is developed, subsequent boxes can be manufactured as copies, significantly reducing provision costs for additional sweetener types while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If snap-acting teeth with elastic deformation are used for forced engagement, then the ease of operation and quick configuration are improved, but the reliability and safety are potentially worsened due to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-acting teeth are pre-designed with specific elastic deformation characteristics that allow them to flex during engagement and then return to their original position, creating a secure mechanical lock. This preliminary design of the elastic properties ensures both ease of operation during installation and reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation of the snap-acting teeth acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs mechanical stress during the engagement process. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive forces from damaging the coupling mechanism while still providing secure engagement, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
4Measurement precision
If proportional dosage control through gearmotor operating time is implemented, then the measurement precision of sweetener dosage is improved, but the device complexity of control systems is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The gearmotor-driven dosage means in each box automatically control the dispensing quantity based on the operating time of the gearmotor itself, without requiring complex external control systems. The system uses the inherent rotational characteristics of the gearmotor to provide precise dosage control, allowing each box to essentially self-regulate its dispensing amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and management unit monitors the operating time of each gearmotor and uses this feedback information to precisely control the dosage of sweetener dispensed. By measuring the duration of gearmotor operation, the system can accurately determine and control the quantity of sweetener delivered, achieving precise measurement without complex additional sensors.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for dispensing coffee or the like, comprising at least one box (2a) adapted to contain a sweetener for beverages and the like and associated with a gearmotor (3a) which is functionally connected to a control and management unit for dispensing a preset quantity of sweetener. The box (2a) forms a dispensing outlet (4a) which leads into at least one conveyance chute (5) and the gearmotor (3a) comprises dosage means (6a) which operate at the dispensing outlet (4a) in order to define the preset quantity of sweetener in a manner which is proportional to the operating time of the gearmotor (3a). The machine also comprises a supporting frame (7) which forms an accommodation seat (8) for the box (2a) which is provided with a battery of mechanical and electronic couplings (9) for dividing it and for the modular and selective installation of one or more boxes (2b, 2c) as a replacement of the box (2a). The boxes (2b, 2c) are provided with gearmotors (3b, 3c), dosage means (6b, 6c) and dispensing outlets (4b, 4c) which are mutually independent, with the dispensing outlets (4b, 4c) converging into the conveyance chute (5).