Removable cup support platform on collector receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines lack a simple, ergonomic, and safe cup support mechanism that allows for easy removal of the cup support platform without exposing users to residual liquids, especially when handling larger mugs.
Innovation Solution
A removable cup support platform with a peripheral part extending over the sidewall, allowing for single-handed seizure and removal, and a fastening arrangement such as magnetic, friction, screw, or hook fasteners to securely attach the platform to the receptacle, minimizing liquid exposure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cup support platform is integrated into the liquid collector without a removable design, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but it becomes difficult to remove the platform without exposing users to residual liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The cup support platform is segmented from the liquid collector, creating a removable platform that can be easily detached. The peripheral part of the platform extends beyond the sidewall of the liquid collector, providing a grip area that allows users to remove the platform without exposing their hands to residual liquids in the collector.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral part extending beyond the sidewall acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the platform. This extension provides a safe gripping area that mediates the removal process, allowing users to handle the platform without direct contact with the liquid collector interior.
2Ease of operation
If the peripheral part of the platform extends significantly beyond the sidewall to facilitate easy gripping, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and potential for liquid spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral part of the platform has a different quality than the main platform surface. It extends beyond the sidewall specifically to provide gripping functionality, while the rest of the platform maintains its original structure for liquid drainage and support functions. This localized modification achieves the gripping objective without unnecessarily complicating the entire platform structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fastening arrangement is added to securely attach the platform to the receptacle, then the stability of the platform improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening arrangement provides dynamic attachment - secure during normal use to maintain platform stability, but easily releasable when removal is needed. The design allows the platform to be firmly held in position during beverage preparation while enabling simple removal by gripping the extended peripheral part.
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).