Removable Milk Line Assembly for Height-Adjustable Coffee Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face challenges in cleaning milk supply lines due to their rigid design, which requires high assembly and disassembly effort and visibility, affecting both cleaning efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design with a height-adjustable dispensing carriage and flexible hose connections between coupling points allows for easy removal and cleaning of all milk-contacting components, hiding the supply line for a visually appealing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If supply lines are concealed behind the milk/coffee spout for visual appeal, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but assembly and disassembly effort increases for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The supply line system is segmented into modular components: a first coupling point detachably connected to the housing, a flexible hose, and a second coupling point detachably connected to the dispensing carriage. This segmentation allows the supply line to be easily assembled and disassembled as a complete unit while maintaining concealed routing behind the spout for aesthetic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply line incorporates a flexible hose instead of rigid piping, enabling dynamic routing that can be easily configured and reconfigured. The flexible nature allows the line to be concealed behind the spout while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly, as the flexibility accommodates various mounting positions without requiring complex rigid connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the supply line is rigidly connected to the housing and dispensing carriage, then structural stability is improved, but cleaning effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply line is designed as a segmented modular system with detachable coupling points. The first coupling point connects to the housing and the second coupling point connects to the dispensing carriage, allowing the entire supply line assembly to be quickly removed for cleaning without compromising structural stability during operation. This segmentation reduces cleaning time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable coupling points are designed with universal connection features that maintain stable fluid connection during operation but allow rapid disconnection for cleaning. The coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: providing structural stability during coffee preparation and enabling quick removal for maintenance, thus reducing cleaning time without sacrificing operational reliability.
3Reliability
If the milk/coffee spout is permanently attached to the dispensing carriage, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of cleaning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the milk/coffee spout, the second coupling point, and the dispensing carriage as separate but connectable components. The spout can be detached from the coupling point for cleaning while maintaining a reliable connection during operation. This segmentation allows the spout to be easily removed and cleaned in a dishwasher without compromising connection reliability during coffee preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the spout and dispensing carriage is designed to be dynamically changeable - securely connected during operation for reliable milk delivery, and easily detachable for cleaning. The coupling mechanism transitions between a stable connected state and an easily separated state, maintaining connection reliability when needed while enabling easy cleaning when required.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee machine (1) with a housing (2) and a dispensing carriage (3) mounted thereon so that it can be adjusted in height, which is connected via a supply line (4) to a storage container (5), in particular to a milk container (6). It is essential to the invention that the supply line (4) has a first coupling point (7) and a second coupling point (8) and a flexible hose (9) connecting the first and second coupling points (7, 8), the first coupling point (7) detachably fixed to the housing (2) and fluidly connected to the storage container (5) and the second coupling point (8) can be detachably fixedly connected to the dispensing carriage (3) and fluidly connected to a milk/coffee spout (10) that can be pushed onto the dispensing carriage (3). , so that the reservoir (5), the supply line (4) together with the coupling points (7,8) and the milk/coffee outlet (10) can be removed from the coffee machine (1) for cleaning purposes. As a result, a milk line that is visually appealing and easy to assemble or disassemble can be provided.