Removable Cup Platform on Drip Tray for Single-Handed Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines lack a simple, ergonomic, and safe cup support arrangement, particularly for varying cup sizes, which can lead to issues with liquid spills and residue exposure during cup removal.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a cup support system featuring a removable platform and liquid collection receptacle, where the platform can be easily seized by hand without turning the cup support upside down, utilizing magnetic, friction, screw, hook, or bayonet fasteners for secure attachment, and a mechanical or magnetic connector arrangement for assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cup support uses a fixed platform design, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different cup sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cup support is divided into two independent parts: a fixed base and a removable platform. This segmentation allows the platform to be detached and replaced with platforms of different sizes, providing adaptability to various cup types while keeping the base structure simple and fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable rather than fixed. This dynamic design enables users to adjust the platform size according to different cup requirements, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system without complicating the overall device.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is tightly secured to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but ease of removal for cleaning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the platform to the base when assembled, providing stable attachment without requiring additional tightening actions. The preliminary design of the fastening elements ensures proper alignment and secure connection upon insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism replaces complex mechanical tightening systems with simpler magnetic or friction-based attachment. This substitution maintains reliable stability during beverage dispensing while enabling easy one-handed removal without requiring tools or complex manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If the cup support design requires two-handed operation for platform removal, then secure handling is ensured, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates integrated hand engagement features such as protruding edges or grips that enable users to securely grasp and remove the platform with one hand. The design serves itself by providing built-in handling aids rather than requiring external tools or two-handed coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific local features are added to the platform perimeter, such as extended edges or grip zones, that provide localized hand engagement points. These local quality enhancements enable secure one-handed manipulation without compromising the overall stability or requiring changes to the entire platform structure.
4Ease of operation
If the platform extends beyond the base perimeter for easy gripping, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of liquid exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
A peripheral barrier or shield structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the liquid collection area. This barrier allows hand engagement for easy gripping while preventing direct exposure to spilled or dripping liquid during platform removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary protective measures such as raised barriers or deflectors that prevent liquid from reaching areas where user contact occurs during platform removal. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of liquid exposure before it can occur.
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 minimizes the risk of unwanted liquid exposure and facilitates safe, single-handed removal of the platform, ensuring stable and easy cleaning of the cup support, while accommodating different cup sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic, friction, screw, hook, or bayonet fasteners for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises: a beverage preparation module (20, 30) having a front face (21) with an outlet (31) for dispensing a prepared beverage; and a cup support (10) located under the outlet (31) for placing a cup (2) under the outlet (31). The cup support (10) comprises a liquid collection receptacle (14) supporting a removable cup placement platform (16) that has a peripheral part (18). The collection receptacle (14) is delimited by at least one upright peripheral sidewall (15) forming a seat (15′) for placing the platform (16). The peripheral part (18) extends over and above the peripheral sidewall (15) when the platform (16) is placed in the seat (15′) so that the platform (16) is seizable at the peripheral part (18) adjacent the peripheral sidewall (15) by a user-hand for removing the platform (16) from the receptacle (14).