Reversible Cup Support Grid for Two-Height Coffee Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee machines require multiple, costly components and complex adjustments to accommodate cups of different heights for various brewing methods, leading to increased production costs and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A cup support system with a grid that can be positioned at two different heights by reversing its orientation relative to a drip tray, using a perimeter rim to adjust the distance from the dispensing spout without requiring adjustable spouts or a complex hydraulic circuit, and incorporating guide elements for secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate grids are provided at different heights, then cups of different heights can be accommodated, but manufacturing costs increase and user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cup heightsVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate grids into a single integrated support structure that can function at two different heights. The support includes a grid with a peripheral rim that can be positioned in two orientations, effectively combining the functionality of two separate grids into one component, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying user operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates dynamic positioning capability through a movable peripheral rim that can be placed in two distinct positions. This allows the same grid to adapt its height relative to the dispensing spout, enabling the system to dynamically adjust to different cup heights without requiring multiple static components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable means are provided to change support height, then different cup heights are accommodated, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of support heightVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables user self-adjustment through simple manual placement of the peripheral rim in one of two positions, eliminating the need for complex motorized or mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The user can easily switch between heights by repositioning the rim, achieving adaptability without expensive automated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the spout height is made adjustable, then different brewing types are supported, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different brewing typesVSAvoidcomplexity of hydraulic circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the dispensing spout adjustable to accommodate different cup heights, the invention inverts the approach by making the support structure adjustable. The peripheral rim of the support can be positioned in two different locations, allowing the support height to vary while the spout remains fixed, thereby simplifying the hydraulic circuit and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8453561B2Support to hold cups and coffee machine or the like comprising said support

Publication Date: 2013.06.04 VERSUNI HLDG BV

AI summary

A support to hold a beverage receiving container in a machine for the preparation of beverages designed to position the container at two different heights with respect to a dispensing spout of the machine.