Modular Beverage Machine Assembly Using Rigid Connector Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines have complex manufacturing processes requiring significant manual intervention, leading to increased costs and lack of integration, resulting in voluminous constructions.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing process that pre-assembles components into modular units for fully automatic assembly, reducing human intervention by using rigid connectors and eliminating flexible non-resilient cables and tubes, allowing for automated assembly and simplified servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional beverage preparation machines are assembled using flexible non-resilient cables and tubes with manual intervention, then assembly can be performed with existing components, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires significant manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into modular assemblies (heating assembly, brewing assembly, dispensing assembly) that can be manufactured separately and then automatically assembled. Each module contains integrated components with rigid connectors, enabling standardized automatic assembly processes while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components are merged into integrated modular assemblies. For example, the heating assembly combines the heater, rigid fluid connecting members, and electrical components into a single unit. This merging eliminates the need for complex manual assembly of separate flexible cables and tubes.
2Device complexity
If flexible non-resilient cables and tubes are used in traditional machines, then component connections can be made easily, but the machine construction becomes voluminous and lacks integration
Solution Approach 1:
Components are merged into compact modular assemblies with rigid connectors that eliminate the need for bulky flexible cables and tubes. The rigid fluid connecting members and rigid electrical connectors allow for tighter integration and smaller overall machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from three-dimensional flexible routing to more direct, rigid connections that reduce spatial requirements. Rigid connectors enable more efficient space utilization and reduce the voluminous construction characteristic of traditional machines.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly is used for traditional machines, then assembly can be performed with simple equipment, but costs increase and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the machine into standardized modular assemblies with rigid connectors, the invention enables automatic assembly processes that reduce labor costs and eliminate human error. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows for consistent, repeatable assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular assemblies are pre-assembled with rigid connectors and components before final integration. This preliminary assembly with precision rigid connections ensures proper alignment and reduces the need for manual adjustment, thereby reducing costs and improving reliability.
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
This approach simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, enhances reliability, and minimizes human error, while also reducing the size and complexity of the final machine.
Implementation Method 1
an in-line heater, such as a thermoblock, for heating this flow of liquid
Implementation Method 2
a pump for pumping this liquid through the in-line heater
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A process for manufacturing a beverage preparation machine comprises the following steps: (I) providing a group of components a) to f) that include: a) a brewing unit (500) for receiving an ingredient of said beverage and for guiding an incoming flow of liquid through said ingredient to a beverage outlet (510); b) an in-line heater (600) for heating said flow of liquid to be supplied to the brewing unit; c) pump (800) for pumping said liquid through said in-line heater; d) one or more fluid connecting members (5,200) for guiding said liquid from a source of liquid, such as a tank of liquid, to the beverage outlet; e) an electric control unit (2) for receiving instructions from a user via an interface (2a,2b) and for controlling the in-line heater and the pump; and f) one or more electric sensors (70,95) for sensing at least one operational characteristic and for communicating such characteristic(s) to the control unit; (II) connecting components a) to f) for assembling said beverage machine. The connecting of components a) to f) comprises pre-assembling at least two or three modules (500,600,2;5,800;2,800;200,600;200,800), each module being fully automatically assembled from at least two components of said components a) to f), the components of the fully automatically preassembled modules being so configured to be automatically seizable, orientable, positionable and fully connectable to each other in one or more automatic assembly steps.