Movable Cup Holder and Drip Tray for Mixed Receptacle Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink dispensing machines, such as coffee machines, face challenges in accommodating receptacles of different sizes and maintaining the correct distance between the drink outlet and receptacle, leading to issues with froth quality, spatter risk, and cleanliness due to complex and difficult-to-maintain systems.
Innovation Solution
A drink preparing device with a movable and rotatable cup holding part that adjusts to accommodate small and large receptacles, featuring a cantilever projection and automatic locking mechanism, allowing easy adaptation to different sizes and ensuring optimal distance for froth formation while incorporating a removable drip-collecting tray for cleanliness and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holding parts are stacked to accommodate different receptacle sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a deployed position (for small receptacles) and a retracted position (for large receptacles). This dynamic adjustment allows a single holding part to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for multiple stacked holding parts while maintaining adaptability to different receptacle sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single holding part is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold both small cups and large glasses by repositioning. When in the deployed position, it accommodates small receptacles; when retracted, it allows large receptacles to be placed directly on the base. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized holding parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of holding parts is required, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the appropriate holding part position based on the receptacle placed on the base. The control unit detects the receptacle type and autonomously adjusts the holding part position without requiring manual intervention from the user. This self-service approach simplifies operation while maintaining adaptability to different receptacle sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback about the receptacle placed on the base and automatically adjusts the holding part position accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually select or manipulate holding parts, as the system autonomously configures itself based on the detected receptacle type.
3Manufacturing precision
If the holding part is positioned close to the outlet, then froth quality is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for larger receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part position is dynamically adjusted based on receptacle size. For small receptacles, the holding part is deployed close to the outlet to ensure proper froth formation. For large receptacles, the holding part is retracted, allowing the receptacle to be positioned directly on the base at the appropriate distance from the outlet. This dynamic positioning resolves the conflict between froth quality and adaptability.
4Device complexity
If a fixed holding part position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part is designed to be repositionable between deployed and retracted positions, allowing a single fixed-configuration component to achieve variable functionality. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different receptacle sizes while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device structure, as only one holding part is needed rather than multiple fixed positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the user experience by preventing incorrect holder selection and distance settings, ensuring proper froth formation, reducing spatter risk, and enhancing cleanliness and maintenance efficiency by allowing easy adaptation to various receptacle sizes and automatic positioning adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the holding part may be configured and positioned for rotation between the deployed position and the second position
Implementation Method 2
The system may further comprise a device for locking the holding part in the second position
Implementation Method 3
the cup holder is also configured and dimensioned to fall back by gravity beneath the drink outlet when the user removes the taller receptacle away from the drink outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A drink preparing device that includes a box and a holding and drip-collecting system that comprises a holding part positionable beneath a drink outlet in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the part is moved at least partly out of the way of the drink outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the drink outlet.