Pivoting Cover Plate for Dishwasher-Safe Beverage Machine Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face challenges in efficient cleaning due to the contamination of high-quality cover plates made from the same materials as the housing, which are not suitable for dishwasher cleaning and require manual cleaning, increasing user effort.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a cover plate connected to the housing via a pivoting device, allowing the cover plate to pivot between positions, enabling it to remain on the machine during cleaning while the container is removed, and using a spring element and lever arms to control the cover plate's movement, allowing it to be made from dishwasher-safe materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the cover plate is made from the same high-quality materials as the housing to ensure aesthetic appearance, then the visual quality and appearance are improved, but the cover plate becomes contaminated during cleaning operations and cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher, requiring manual cleaning which increases user effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is separated from the housing structure and made as a movable, detachable component. This segmentation allows the cover plate to be removed independently for cleaning or replacement, enabling it to be cleaned in a dishwasher without damaging the housing. The cover plate can be aesthetically designed to match the housing while being functionally separable for easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate is designed to be movable between a closed position (covering the opening) and an open position (allowing access to the container). This dynamic design enables the cover plate to serve its aesthetic function when closed while allowing easy removal for cleaning. The pivoting mechanism provides dynamic adaptability between operational and maintenance states.
2Ease of operation
If the cover plate is made movable to allow container removal through the opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cover plate may be damaged or discolored during cleaning if removed and cleaned manually
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is segmented as a separate removable component that can be independently cleaned. This segmentation allows the cover plate to be taken off for dishwasher cleaning without risk of damage, while maintaining its aesthetic appearance and functional integrity for repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate can be manufactured as a more durable, dishwasher-safe component that is replaceable if needed. By using materials suitable for dishwasher cleaning, the cover plate becomes more resilient and can withstand repeated cleaning cycles without degradation, effectively making it a long-lasting component.
3Strength
If the cover plate is fixed to the housing to ensure structural stability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the cover plate cannot be easily removed for cleaning and the container cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate employs a pivoting connection that provides structural stability when closed while allowing easy movement for access and cleaning. The pivoting mechanism maintains the cover plate in a secure closed position during operation but enables simple removal when needed, balancing structural integrity with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the housing and the cover plate. It provides a stable connection when the cover plate is closed while allowing controlled movement for access and cleaning operations, mediating between the requirements for structural integrity and ease of operation.
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
Facilitates easy and time-saving cleaning by allowing the cover plate to remain on the machine during container removal and cleaning, reducing the risk of damage and discoloration, and enabling all removable parts to be made from dishwasher-safe materials.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, wherein a first portion of the spring element is fastened to the second lever arm at a distance from the rotation axis, and a second portion of the spring element is fixed relative to the first lever arm and/or to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine for brewed beverages includes a housing having a housing wall that surrounds an inner space and has an opening; a brewing device arranged in the inner space for brewing a quantity of a solid material accommodated by the brewing device, wherein the quantity of the solid material can be output from the brewing device; a movable container for receiving a quantity of the solid material output from the brewing device, which container can be brought into the inner space through the opening; a movable cover plate for covering the opening, which cover plate in a first position covers at least one region of the opening, and which in a second position uncovers the opening. The cover plate is connected to the housing via a pivoting device so that the cover plate is movable between the first and second positions by pivoting about a pivot axis.