Beverage Machine Steam Nozzle Recess for Sensor-Free Jug Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household coffee-making machines with advanced milk frothing capabilities are costly due to the need for sensors to ensure safe steam dispensing, which increases the complexity and price of the machines.

Innovation Solution

A beverage-producing system with a steam nozzle housed in a recess and a steam duct on the jug, allowing for intuitive and safe connection without sensors, where the steam nozzle is oriented towards the ceiling to prevent steam escape if the jug is not properly connected, and a mechanical or guide arrangement for secure coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are installed to detect proper jug positioning and prevent steam hazards, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steam nozzle housing structure provides intrinsic safety through its geometric design. The recess with ceiling and downward orientation causes steam to be contained and redirected away from users automatically, without requiring external sensors or control systems to monitor jug positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harmful effect of uncontained steam is converted into a beneficial containment mechanism. The recess structure transforms what would be a dangerous steam jet into a controlled flow that impinges on the ceiling and is redirected, turning the steam's upward force into a safe downward flow pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If sensors and control units are added to interface with the sensors for steam dispensing control, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection through the recess structure and the geometric containment of steam provide passive safety without requiring electronic sensors, control units, or complex programming, thereby eliminating additional manufacturing costs associated with these components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the steam nozzle is oriented downward and projects outside the recess for steam delivery, then steam dispensing function is improved, but steam hazard to users increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam dispensing functionVSAvoidsteam hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The downward orientation of the steam nozzle, which initially appears to create a hazard, is actually beneficial because it directs steam onto the ceiling where it is contained and redirected. The steam's upward momentum after impinging on the ceiling creates a controlled flow pattern that delivers steam to the jug while preventing direct exposure to users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If a mechanical connection or guide arrangement is added for jug connection, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide arrangement and mechanical connection features are integrated into the existing recess structure and jug design. The guide channels and connection elements are combined with the steam nozzle housing, eliminating the need for separate, additional components while providing secure mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system reduces the number of electric and electronic components, simplifies the connection process, and ensures safety by containing hot steam within the machine if the jug is not correctly connected, eliminating the need for costly sensors and enhancing user safety.

Implementation Method 1

The hot and pressurized steam delivered by the coffee producing machine through the steam nozzle is processed in a Venturi tube of the emulsifier to suck milk from the jug and heat the milk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

The hot and pressurized steam delivered by the coffee producing machine through the steam nozzle is processed in a Venturi tube of the emulsifier to suck milk from the jug and heat the milk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9642488B2Beverage producing machine with a jug

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 VERSUNI HLDG BV

AI summary

A beverage producing system includes a beverage producing machine and a jug. The machine is provided with a steam nozzle and the jug is provided with a steam duct having a steam inlet end configured to connect to the steam nozzle to establish a connection between the steam nozzle and the steam duct. The steam nozzle is housed in a recess having an entry aperture, a bottom wall and an upper ceiling. The steam nozzle is arranged at the bottom wall of the recess and is oriented towards the upper ceiling. The steam inlet end projects from the jug, where the connection between the steam nozzle and the steam duct is configured to be established by introducing the steam inlet end in the recess and by lowering the jug until a fluid connection is established between the steam nozzle and the steam inlet end of the steam duct.