Movable Cup Support and Drip Tray for Multi-Size Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines, such as coffee machines, fail to adapt effectively to containers of different sizes, often resulting in incorrect support positioning and distance issues between the beverage outlet and container, leading to potential spills and hygiene problems.
Innovation Solution
A movable support element that adjusts to accommodate both small and large containers by being pushed back when a larger container is placed, ensuring optimal beverage flow and drip collection, with a modular design for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support elements are placed in superposition to adapt to different container sizes, then the device can accommodate various container sizes, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on container size. The element can be manually pushed back for large containers or spring-loaded for automatic return, eliminating the need for multiple fixed support positions and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A single support element serves multiple functions by being positionable in different locations. It can support both small containers in the forward position and large containers when pushed back, replacing the need for multiple dedicated support elements for different container sizes.
2Device complexity
If the support element is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different container sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support element transitions from a fixed position to a movable one, enabling it to adapt to different container sizes. The element can be positioned forward for small containers and pushed back for large containers, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the outlet-container distance is not precisely controlled, then the device is easier to operate, but the beverage quality and spill prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides mechanical feedback through the movable support element that automatically adjusts to the container size. When a large container is placed, it pushes the support back, which in turn adjusts the outlet-container distance to the correct position, ensuring proper beverage delivery without requiring precise manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element automatically adjusts the outlet-container distance based on the container placed. The container itself interacts with the support mechanism to set the correct positioning, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring reliable beverage delivery.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of support elements is required, then the adaptability to container sizes is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and user errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support element performs self-adjustment based on the container placed. For large containers, the support is pushed back automatically by the container itself. The spring mechanism then maintains the support in the pushed-back position without requiring additional user manipulation, simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the support element is pushed back for large containers, then the adaptability is improved, but the droplet collection efficiency may deteriorate if not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support element provides mechanical feedback that ensures proper positioning for droplet collection. When pushed back for large containers, the support element's position is automatically adjusted to maintain the correct distance from the beverage outlet, ensuring that droplets are effectively collected even when the container size changes.
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 ensures accurate positioning and distance for beverage dispensing, reduces spill risk, and enhances cleanliness by allowing easy adaptation to various container sizes and automatic maintenance, improving user experience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the support element is pushed back when a large container is placed, ensuring optimal beverage flow
Implementation Method 2
the support element is arranged in articulation on the device so as to be able to be pushed back at least partially when positioning a larger container and to fall by gravity under the drink outlet when the user removes said container
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a base (2), and a drop recuperation and support system (9), which has a support element (10) to receive a small size container. The element is movable along a deployed support position, to receive the container, and a partially moved position, to push the element so as to liberate a free space permitting to position a large size container in the place of the former container, below an outlet (7) of a beverage. The system has a liquid storage container receiving the liquid recuperated by the element during the moved position, where the element and the container form a slide.