Rotatable Cup Dispensing Tower for Small Espresso Cups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dispensing machines for beverages are limited in accommodating small-sized cups, such as those used for espresso-type coffee, and face maintenance issues due to complex mechanisms like cams and springs, which hinder efficient cleaning and calibration.
Innovation Solution
An automatic machine with two rotatable cup dispensing towers and a cup holder device that rotates about a vertical axis, allowing for the dispensing of variously sized cups, including small ones, with a process that aligns cups with nozzles for precise beverage dispensing without splashing, and simplifies maintenance by reducing wear and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single nozzle system is used for dispensing beverages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of dispensing small cups is insufficient causing splashing and spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle system is segmented into multiple nozzles with different sizes and configurations. Each nozzle is specifically designed for different cup sizes, allowing precise control of beverage flow into small espresso cups while maintaining compatibility with larger cups, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and dispensing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system is made dynamically adjustable through a selection mechanism that allows the machine to switch between different nozzle configurations based on the selected cup size. This dynamic adaptation enables precise dispensing for small cups when needed while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cups of various sizes are accommodated in a single machine, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple dispensing towers and complex positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A single dispensing tower is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a selectable nozzle system that can serve different cup sizes. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized dispensing towers, achieving adaptability for various cup sizes while maintaining device simplicity through multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing tower incorporates dynamic nozzle selection capability, allowing it to adapt its configuration based on the cup size being served. This dynamic flexibility enables one tower to replace multiple static towers, improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cup holder device uses fixed positioning mechanisms, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring complex calibration for different cup sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder device transitions from fixed positioning to dynamic positioning with adjustable mechanisms that can adapt to different cup sizes. This dynamic capability maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating complex calibration requirements, as the system automatically adjusts to accommodate various cup dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system allows changes in key parameters such as holder position and angle based on detected cup size. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than requiring fixed precise positioning for each cup type, the system maintains manufacturing precision while significantly improving ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the nozzle is positioned in a raised position with respect to the cup edge, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates causing improper dispensing into small cups
Solution Approach 1:
The single raised nozzle position is segmented into multiple nozzle positions at different heights and distances from the cup edge. Each nozzle position is optimized for specific cup sizes, allowing precise dispensing into small cups when needed while maintaining ease of operation through automated nozzle selection based on cup type.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic machine for dispensing beverages has at least two rotatable cup dispensing towers having a plurality of housings for variously sized stacked cups. The housings may be rotated in a selective manner. Cups are dispensed from the housings. A cup holder device includes cup holders that receive the dispensed cups. The cup holder device is rotatable about a vertical axis that is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rotatable cup dispensing towers. The cup holder device is provided with at least two cup holders that move along concentric circular trajectories with respect to the vertical axis of the cup holder device.