Adaptive service unit of a beverage machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines lack an adaptive arrangement for the removable service unit that ensures stability and efficient handling of beverage ingredients and waste, particularly in varying user environments.
Innovation Solution
A beverage preparation machine with a service unit comprising a foot part and a recipient part that can transition between stable positions, allowing stable placement on a horizontal surface or within the machine, and incorporating features like biasing elements and articulation for enhanced stability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the service unit is designed to be removable and adaptable to different positions, then the ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the stability and balance of the unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit incorporates a movable recipient part that can transition between different stable positions (first stable position for removal, second stable position for installation). This dynamic design allows the unit to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being handled or is in use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biasing elements (springs) that act as counterweights to balance the service unit in different positions. The biasing element provides the necessary force to maintain the recipient part in stable positions and facilitates smooth transitions between positions, counteracting gravitational effects and ensuring stability during both removed and installed states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the service unit incorporates movable parts for adaptation, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit is divided into distinct segments: a foot part and a recipient part that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall adaptability. The recipient part can independently transition between positions, providing environmental adaptability without requiring complex integration across the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable recipient part with defined stable positions provides adaptability to different environments (machine seat or external horizontal surface) through a relatively simple mechanical design. The dynamics of the movable part allow it to adapt its configuration based on the operating environment without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If the recipient part is made movable between positions, then the ease of maintenance and cleaning is improved, but the reliability of the service unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element (spring) acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs shocks and vibrations during the movement and positioning of the recipient part. This prior cushioning protects the connection between the foot part and recipient part from mechanical stress, maintaining reliability while enabling easy movement for maintenance and cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable recipient part is designed with defined stable positions that ensure reliable connection when installed. The movement is constrained to specific positions rather than being completely free, which maintains connection reliability while still allowing easy removal and cleaning. The dynamic design with stable positions ensures that the unit can be easily maintained without compromising the reliability of the connection during normal operation.
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 adaptive arrangement provides stable and efficient handling of ingredients and waste, facilitating user-friendly operation and maintenance, while ensuring balanced stability in both machine and external environments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element arranged to act on the recipient part
Implementation Method 2
When foot part 11 of service unit 10 rests on external horizontal support surface 100
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for preparing a beverage has: a body (1′) comprising a seat (4) and a beverage processing line (1″, 1″′) extending from a liquid inlet (1″) to a beverage dispenser (1″′); and a service unit (10) that is removably received in or on the seat (4) and that comprises a foot part (11) and a recipient part (12) removably received in or on the foot part (11) so as to be supported thereby. The foot part (11) has a bottom face (11′) configured to rest on an external horizontal support surface (100) when the service unit (10) is removed from the seat (4). When the recipient part (12) is received in or on the foot part (11), the recipient part (12) is movable relative to the foot part (11) from a first stable position when the service unit (10) rests on the external horizontal support surface (100) to a second stable position when the service unit (10) is received in or on the seat (4), and vice versa.