Movable Cup Holder Sensing for Espresso Crema and Spatter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers fail to ensure optimal beverage quality, particularly for espresso coffee, due to the lack of a system that prompts users to choose the correct receptacle size and maintain the appropriate distance between the beverage outlet and the receptacle, leading to suboptimal froth production and potential spatter.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispenser with a holding system that includes a movable part and a sensor to detect its position, alerting the user to adjust the receptacle placement for the correct size, ensuring the ideal distance for froth production and preventing spatter, allowing for the preparation of beverages in various sizes from 25 to 1000 ml.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed holding system is used for small receptacles, then the distance between beverage outlet and receptacle is optimized for espresso quality, but larger receptacles cannot be positioned correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The holding system is made movable between a deployed position (close to beverage outlet for small receptacles) and a retracted position (far from beverage outlet for large receptacles). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt to different receptacle sizes while maintaining optimal dispensing distance for each size category.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding system serves multiple functions: it acts as a support for small receptacles when deployed, and as a non-obstructive element for large receptacles when retracted. This multi-functionality enables a single system to handle both small and large receptacles appropriately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding system is moved out of the way for large receptacles, then large receptacles can be positioned correctly, but the system cannot support small receptacles at the optimal position
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the position of the holding system (deployed or retracted), and this information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit then provides appropriate user guidance through the user interface, informing users whether to place a small or large receptacle based on the current holding system position.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the holding system position and the user interface, translating physical position into actionable guidance for the user about which receptacle size to use.
3Ease of operation
If no sensor detection system is implemented, then the system structure remains simple, but the user cannot be guided to choose the correct receptacle size and position
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides automatic detection of the holding system position, eliminating the need for manual user judgment. The control unit processes this sensor data and provides automated guidance through the user interface, reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the holding part is fixed in one position, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate both small and large receptacles at their optimal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part is designed to be movable between two distinct positions (deployed and retracted) rather than fixed. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate both small and large receptacles at their optimal positions, with the movement mechanism integrated into the base structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a beverage dispenser (1) comprising a base (2) and a holding system that comprises a holding part (3) positionable beneath a beverage outlet (4) 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 holding part is moved at least partly out of the way of the beverage outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the beverage outlet, wherein the holding system comprises a sensor (8) configured for detecting the position of the holding part between the first position and the second position.