Small conical filter plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter elements in milk frothers have a rough and smooth side, but the user cannot distinguish between them visually, leading to inadequate removal of filter residues on the rough side, resulting in premature replacement.
Innovation Solution
The filter element is designed with distinctively shaped sides, allowing only the smooth side to be inserted into the milk channel, preventing incorrect orientation and facilitating easy cleaning, while being mechanically stable and seal-free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filter element is produced with a rough side and a smooth side, then filter residues are easier to remove from the smooth side, but the user cannot visually distinguish which side should face the milk flow, leading to incorrect insertion and inadequate cleaning of the rough side
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed with asymmetric surface properties where one side has a rough surface structure and the other has a smooth surface structure. This asymmetry serves dual purposes: the smooth side facilitates easy removal of filter residues during cleaning, while the rough side provides structural integrity. The asymmetric design is visually distinguishable, enabling users to correctly identify which side should face the milk flow during insertion, thereby preventing incorrect orientation and ensuring proper functioning of the filter element.
2Ease of manufacture
If the user inserts the filter element with the rough side facing the milk flow, then the filter element can be manufactured with standard processes, but filter residues accumulate on the rough side and cannot be adequately removed, resulting in premature replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element incorporates local quality differentiation by providing distinct surface properties in different regions. The side intended to face the milk flow during operation is equipped with a smooth surface structure that prevents filter residues from accumulating and allows for easy cleaning. The opposite side maintains a rough surface structure suitable for standard manufacturing processes. This local quality assignment ensures that when the filter element is correctly oriented, the milk-flow-facing side remains clean and functional for extended periods, thereby extending the service life of the filter element.
3Ease of operation
If the filter element requires visual distinction between sides for correct insertion, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional surface treatment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is segmented into two distinct surfaces with different properties during the manufacturing process. One surface is treated to have a smooth finish while the other retains a rough texture. This segmentation is achieved through standard manufacturing techniques such as directional cooling during solidification or selective surface treatment, creating visually distinguishable regions without requiring complex additional components or assembly steps. The segmented design enables users to easily recognize the correct orientation for insertion while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 design enhances the filter element's service life by ensuring correct orientation during use, reducing residue accumulation, and eliminating the need for seals, making it easier to manufacture and use.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element (38) for a milk outlet head (8) of a milk frother (2), comprising a porous main body (56)
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element for filtering milk in a milk frother, comprising a plate-shaped porous main body, having a first side at which the milk can enter the porous main body, a second side at which the milk can exit from the porous main body, and a lateral side connecting the first and second sides, wherein the surface of the first side is less rough than the surface of the second side, and wherein the first side and the second side are different from one another.