Removable Beverage Tank With Integrated Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing appliances face challenges in maintaining hygiene and ease of maintenance, particularly in accessing and replacing filtration systems and tanks, which are often complex and require partial disassembly, leading to lengthy and complicated operations.
Innovation Solution
A removable tank with integrated filtration means and multiple temperature storage chambers, allowing for easy replacement and filtration of water without disassembly, featuring quick-release couplings and internal filtration systems for improved hygiene and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the purification means and tank are integrated into a fixed circuit, then the water can be filtered and stored, but the access for cleaning and replacement becomes complex and time-consuming requiring partial disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water dispensing system into separate modular components: a removable tank assembly containing both storage chambers and filtration means, and a separate dispensing network. This segmentation allows the tank assembly to be easily detached and replaced without disassembling the entire appliance, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable filtration and enabling easy access for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the filtration means from the fixed circuit and integrates it into the removable tank assembly. By taking out the filtration component and making it part of the detachable tank, the system allows users to replace the entire tank assembly including filters without complex disassembly operations, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining filtration reliability.
2Ease of repair
If the tank and filtration means are separated into different components, then the filtration can be maintained, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tank storage chambers and filtration means into a single integrated removable assembly. This combination reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled during maintenance, as users replace one unified assembly rather than multiple separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable tank assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores water in different temperature chambers and performs filtration. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the overall number of parts needed in the system, as one assembly replaces what would otherwise require separate tank and filter components, thus reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the water is filtered before storage in the tank, then the water is purified, but chlorine remains in the tank which can cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary filtration action by placing filtration means at the outlet of the tank, which filters the water as it is dispensed rather than relying on pre-storage filtration. This preliminary filtration at the point of use removes chlorine and other contaminants before the water contacts the tank interior surfaces, preventing contamination while maintaining purification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtration stage at the tank outlet that acts as a mediator between the stored water and the dispensing point. This intermediary filtration component removes chlorine and contaminants from the water as it exits the tank, preventing harmful factors like chlorine contamination without compromising the water purification already achieved during storage.
4Reliability
If the appliance has a fixed circuit for water dispensing, then the water can be dispensed reliably, but the cleaning of the dispensing network becomes difficult without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water dispensing system into a removable tank assembly and a separate fixed dispensing network. This segmentation allows the dispensing network to be accessed and cleaned independently without removing the tank, as the tank can be easily detached to provide access to the dispensing components, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining dispensing reliability.
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 quick and hygienic replacement of the water dispensing circuit, reducing the need for complex disassembly and reassembly, while ensuring continuous filtration and temperature control, enhancing user safety and reducing maintenance time.
Implementation Method 1
the tank comprises moreover at least one water filtration means fluidically connected to the second opening of the tank downstream of the storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A tank (101) for a beverage dispensing appliance includes at least one water chamber (102), a first opening (104) for example for connecting the tank (101) to a beverage supply, at least one second opening (105) for example suitable for attaching to a tap for dispensing beverages, as well as a filter (107) attached to the second opening (105) of the tank (101). An appliance including such a removable tank (101) is also described.