Reversible Cup Support Structure for Two Coffee Cup Heights

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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, increasing production costs and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A cup support system with a grid and perimeter rim that can be oriented to adjust its position relative to the drip tray, allowing for two distinct heights without moving the dispensing spouts, simplifying the machine's structure and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate grids are provided to hold cups at different heights, then adaptability for different cup sizes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different cup sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate grids into a single integrated support structure that can accommodate cups at two different heights. The support includes a first grid for small cups and a second grid for larger cups, both integrated into one component that replaces the need for two separate grids, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold small cups on the first grid and larger cups on the second grid. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require two separate components, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate grids are manufactured and mounted, then adaptability for different cup sizes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for different cup sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate grids into one integrated support structure, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to accommodate both small and large cups through the integrated first and second grids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable means are provided to change support height, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for cup heightVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates movable elements that allow the second grid to be positioned at different heights relative to the first grid. This dynamic capability enables the support to adapt to different cup sizes without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, as the movable second grid can be easily repositioned while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2131705B1Support to hold cups and coffee machine or the like comprising said support

Publication Date: 2010.12.22 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

There is described a support (9) to hold a beverage receiving container in a machine for the preparation of beverages, said support being designed to posi¬ tion the container (T, t) at two different heights with respect to a dispensing spout (5A) of the machine.