Quick-Release Descaling Reservoir for Beverage Makers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage makers require users to manually pour a decalcifying agent into a permanently installed reservoir, which is time-consuming and poses a risk of injury due to heated parts, especially when descaling is needed.
Innovation Solution
A beverage maker with a reservoir integrated into the flow line system that can be easily exchanged via a quick-release mechanism, allowing for the use of powdered or tablet-form decalcifying agents like citric acid, and optionally includes a disinfectant, with a storage container designed as either disposable or reusable, featuring a detachable cover or refill opening for easy filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reservoir is permanently installed in the beverage maker, then the decalcifying agent can be continuously supplied to the flow line system, but the user must reach into the beverage maker to fill fresh decalcifying agent which is time-consuming and poses a risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into a removable storage container and a connection head that remains attached to the beverage maker. This segmentation allows the storage container to be easily removed and replaced without reaching into the device interior, while the connection head maintains continuous water supply to the flow line system.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is extracted as a separate, removable component from the beverage maker. Users can remove the entire storage container to refill it externally, avoiding the need to reach into the heated interior of the beverage maker while maintaining continuous operation through quick replacement.
2Ease of operation
If liquid decalcifying agents are used, then they can be easily dispensed, but they may leak out if packaging is damaged and require complex approval procedures for cross-border exports
Solution Approach 1:
The decalcifying agent is changed from liquid to powdered or tablet form. This parameter change eliminates leakage risks associated with liquid packaging damage, simplifies export regulations, and maintains effectiveness through acid-forming properties when combined with water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance that converts the powdered or tablet decalcifying agent into its active liquid form during use. This mediator approach allows safe storage and transport of the agent in solid form while achieving the desired liquid decalcification effect during operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the reservoir is permanently installed, then the decalcification process can be maintained, but complex assembly steps or interventions in the interior of the beverage maker are required to replace the decalcifying agent
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir system is segmented into a removable storage container and a fixed connection head. This allows the storage container to be easily replaced by simple removal and insertion operations without complex assembly steps or interior interventions, while the connection head maintains the continuous decalcification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is designed with dynamic, removable connections to the connection head, allowing easy insertion and removal. This dynamic design enables quick replacement of the storage container without complex assembly operations while maintaining the continuous operation of the decalcification system through the permanently installed connection head.
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
Enables safe and efficient decalcification without direct user intervention, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying the decalcification process, while the powdered form of the decalcifying agent prevents leakage and is environmentally friendly, with a long service life due to low consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Various decalcifying agents are already known and in use which, due to a chemical reaction, are able to dissolve the 'calcification' in flow line systems and technical devices
Implementation Method 2
the water flows from the water inflow to the mixture outlet through the dose of descaling agent introduced once by the user, dissolves it and is discharged as a mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage maker is presented with a reservoir (2) integrated into the flow system of the beverage maker (1) for holding a descaling agent. According to the invention, it is proposed that the reservoir (2) is interchangeably mounted in the beverage maker (1) via a quick-release mechanism.