Rotating Dispensing Spout for Adjustable Coffee Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter coffee machines lack the ability to easily adjust the strength and taste of coffee, as they do not provide an efficient method for distributing water evenly through the coffee grounds, leading to inconsistent brewing results.
Innovation Solution
A beverage machine with a dispensing spout featuring a liquid distributor that allows liquid to flow through multiple outlets, with adjustable positions to control the distribution, ensuring equal liquid flow and allowing users to easily adjust the strength and taste of the brewed beverage by selecting different outlet configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water distributor with center and surrounding flow-through openings is used to adjust coffee strength, then coffee strength can be adjusted by selecting different openings, but the water distribution to each flow-through opening is unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The water distributor is segmented into multiple flow-through openings (center opening and surrounding openings) that can be selectively activated. The liquid distributor further segments the water flow by directing it to specific outlets based on the desired coffee strength, ensuring equal distribution to each activated opening through separate flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor is made rotatable relative to the dispensing spout, allowing dynamic selection of which outlet connects to which flow-through opening. This rotational mechanism enables the system to adapt between different brewing modes (strong coffee using center opening, mild coffee using surrounding openings) while maintaining equal water distribution to each selected opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow-through openings are used for water distribution, then coffee strength can be adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor combines multiple functions into a single rotating component: it serves as both the selection mechanism (by rotating to different positions) and the distribution mechanism (by connecting to different outlets). This merging reduces the need for separate valves or complex switching mechanisms for each flow-through opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor is designed as a universal component that can connect to any of the multiple outlets in the dispensing spout through rotation. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate valves or distribution mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional filter coffee machines are used, then simple structure is maintained, but the ability to adjust coffee strength and taste is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable liquid distributor provides a simple dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows users to easily change coffee strength by rotating the distributor to different positions. This mechanical rotation is intuitive and easy to operate, providing multiple brewing options without requiring complex electronic controls or programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts coffee strength by changing the physical parameter of water flow distribution - directing water to different outlets (center or surrounding) with different distances from the central axis. This physical parameter change approach is simpler than electronic control systems while still providing effective coffee strength adjustment.
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
Enables precise adjustment of coffee strength and taste, providing a user-friendly experience with consistent brewing results and easy maintenance through equal liquid distribution and multiple outlet settings.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid distributor comprises a separator element that divides an interior of the main body into at least an upper and a lower compartment
Implementation Method 2
the separator element comprises at least one flow-through opening by means of which the upper compartment is connected to the lower compartment
Implementation Method 3
an actuator for changing a position of the liquid distributor relative to the main body between at least a first, a second and a third position
Implementation Method 4
a main body having a central axis and at least (a) a first liquid outlet having a first outlet opening and (b) a second liquid outlet having a plurality of second outlet openings, wherein the second outlet openings have a larger distance from the central axis than the first outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage machine that includes a brewing chamber; and a dispensing spout for dispensing liquid into the brewing chamber, wherein the dispensing spout includes a liquid inlet; a main body having a central axis and at least a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet, wherein the second liquid outlet has a larger distance from the central axis than the first liquid outlet; a liquid distributor fluidly connecting the liquid inlet selectively to the first liquid outlet or to the second liquid outlet, and an actuator for changing a position of the liquid distributor relative to the main body between at least a first position, wherein the liquid inlet is fluidly connected to the first liquid outlet and a second position, wherein the liquid inlet is fluidly connected to the second liquid outlet.