Removeable collection tray for a drink maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen drink makers face challenges with cleaning condensation and spills due to narrow, clogged hoses, which affect ease of use and aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A removable condensation tray is designed to collect condensation and spills near the mixing vessel, featuring a collection chamber and handle for easy insertion and removal, made of dishwasher-safe material, and compatible with a dishwasher for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a narrow hose is used to drain condensation from the evaporator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to clogging issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the narrow hose system and relocates it to a collection tray positioned directly beneath the evaporator. The tray collects condensation at its source before it can drip down the front of the appliance, eliminating the need for narrow drainage hoses that are prone to clogging while maintaining effective water removal.
2Reliability
If a collection tray is added beneath the evaporator, then the reliability of condensation collection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection tray is merged with the existing appliance structure by positioning it to utilize the space directly beneath the evaporator. The tray integrates with the appliance's existing framework and drainage capabilities, adding condensation collection functionality without requiring separate complex installation systems or additional structural modifications.
3Ease of operation
If a removable tray design is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved for cleaning purposes, but the device complexity increases due to additional installation and removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The collection tray is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the appliance body. This segmentation allows users to remove the tray for cleaning or emptying without disassembling any permanent structural elements, achieving ease of operation through simple separation rather than complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A removeable collection tray is configured for use with a frozen drink maker having a housing and an evaporator disposed in the housing. The collection tray includes a collection chamber for receiving liquid and a handle for removing the tray from the housing. The collection chamber is configured to be inserted within a slot in the housing adjacent the evaporator. When inserted into the slot, the collection chamber is vertically spaced from a bottom side of housing.