Adjustable beverage discharge disposition, beverage preparation machine with said beverage discharge disposition and process of operation of said machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation machines face challenges in providing a simple, compact, and ergonomic milk frothing system with easy assembly, disassembly, and cleaning, as well as effective milk flux regulation for preparing both espresso-like coffee and milk-based beverages.

Innovation Solution

A beverage discharge disposition with a removable milk circulation system that integrates air flow regulation via an air valve, allowing for ergonomic actuation and easy cleaning, featuring a compact design with separate components for milk and vapor supply, and ambient air integration for frothing, enabling user-friendly operation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the milk circulation system is integrated into the beverage preparation machine, then the frothing function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrothing functionVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The milk circulation system is designed as a separate, removable module that can be detached from the beverage preparation machine. This segmentation allows the frothing function to be added without permanently integrating complex components, enabling easy cleaning and maintenance while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The milk circulation system is designed to work with both espresso-like coffee and milk-based beverages, providing universal functionality. The same apparatus handles different beverage types by adjusting operational parameters rather than requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the milk circulation system is made removable for easy cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of connection may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into removable and fixed parts, with the milk circulation system designed as a detachable module. This allows complete separation for cleaning while maintaining secure connection during operation through properly designed attachment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the entire system removable, only the milk circulation components that require frequent cleaning are made detachable. The connection interfaces are designed to be secure during use but easily released for maintenance, inverting the typical design approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of moving object

If the apparatus is designed for compact construction, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of assembly and disassembly may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compact apparatus is segmented into modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The milk circulation system, air valve disposition, and other components are designed as separate modules that fit together in a compact configuration but can be independently removed for cleaning or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Components are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller elements fit within larger structures, maximizing space utilization. The removable milk circulation system can be stored within the apparatus when not in use, maintaining compact form while enabling easy access for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Device complexity

If the air valve disposition is integrated inside the milk circulation system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for air flow regulation may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidair flow regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air valve disposition is integrated within the removable milk circulation system module. This segmentation allows the air regulation mechanism to be accessed and adjusted by simply removing the milk circulation system, maintaining operational ease without requiring separate external controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated air valve disposition serves multiple functions: regulating air flow for frothing, controlling milk circulation, and enabling easy cleaning of all air-contact components together. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a more ergonomic and efficient milk frothing system with improved user interaction and cleaning capabilities, ensuring better handling and preparation of both coffee and milk-based beverages with enhanced ergonomic design and compact construction.

Implementation Method 1

air valve disposition arranged inside said milk circulation disposition and which provides air flow admission regulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow regulation:

Implementation Method 2

a vapour supply, generated by means upstream inside of the machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapour supply:

Implementation Method 3

a suction conduit of milk operating by Venturi effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 4

a suction conduit of air by Venturi effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3513694B1Adjustable beverage discharge disposition, beverage preparation machine with said beverage discharge disposition and process of operation of said machine
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 NOVADELTA COMML E IND DE CAFES SA
  • EP3513694B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3513694B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3513694B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses a beverage discharge disposition comprising a discharge casing (1) configured so that can be provided in the front region of a beverage preparation machine (20), including the option of supplying milk and frothed milk, whereby said discharge casing (1) presents a milk circulation disposition (2) adapted so as to provide an ergonomic use of a beverage preparation machine, in particular with milk flux regulation means (3) of more ergonomic use. The present invention further discloses a beverage preparation machine (20) and a process for operating said machine (20), in particular of a respective ergonomic beverage discharge disposition, according to the present invention.