Switchable-Outlet Machine for Hot Beverages and Ice Cream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for making hot beverages and ice cream products require multiple separate machines, occupying significant space and needing frequent maintenance and cleaning, which is inefficient for shops aiming to offer both.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional machine that can produce both hot beverages and ice cream products, featuring a processing chamber for hot beverages, a mixing and cooling unit for ice cream, and a thermal cooling system, allowing for easy operation, maintenance, and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for hot beverages and ice cream, then product variety is improved, but space occupation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a hot beverage preparation machine and an ice cream machine into a single integrated device. The hot beverage machine includes a brewing unit with water tank, heating element, and dispensing system, while the ice cream machine includes a freezing chamber with stirrer and dispensing mechanism. Both systems share common components such as the water tank, electrical connections, and control systems, thereby reducing overall space occupation while maintaining the ability to produce both hot beverages and ice cream products
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine performs multiple functions within a single device: it can brew hot beverages (coffee, tea, etc.), prepare ice cream, and potentially make hot chocolate or other heated treats. The system uses a universal water supply system that can be directed to either the brewing unit or the ice cream maker, and shares common electrical and control infrastructure, allowing one machine to replace multiple specialized appliances
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate machines are used for hot beverages and ice cream, then product variety is improved, but maintenance and cleaning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the hot beverage and ice cream systems into one machine, the patent reduces the total number of components that require maintenance and cleaning. Shared components such as the water tank, electrical connections, and control systems need to be serviced only once, rather than separately for each machine. The integrated design allows for consolidated maintenance schedules and simplified cleaning procedures
3Area of stationary object
If a multi-functional machine is used for both hot beverages and ice cream, then space occupation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a hot beverage brewing unit with water tank and heating element, and an ice cream freezing unit with stirrer and dispensing mechanism. Each module can operate independently or in coordination, allowing the system to manage complexity through modular design while maintaining compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal components that serve dual purposes: a shared water tank supplies both the brewing unit and ice cream maker, common electrical connections power both heating and freezing elements, and integrated control systems manage operations for both functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing space occupation while managing device complexity through component sharing
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 the production of both hot beverages and ice cream with the same machine, reducing space requirements and maintenance time, while allowing for innovative products with unique organoleptic properties, such as flavored ice cream made from hot beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal cooling system, associated with the mixing and cooling unit
Implementation Method 2
introducing water or a water-based mixture at a temperature greater than 70° C. into the first processing chamber for making in the first processing chamber, by extraction or infusion, a product of the hot beverage type
Implementation Method 3
by extraction or infusion, a product of the hot beverage type
Implementation Method 4
a mixing and cooling unit for making a cold type product, comprising a processing container and a stirrer mounted rotatably inside the container
Implementation Method 5
subjecting to simultaneous stirring and cooling at a temperature of less than 0° C., in the processing container, the product of the hot beverage type together with the further basic products, until making an ice cream type product
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for making liquid and/or semi-liquid food products includes a boiler for heating; a first chamber for processing a hot type liquid product, having an outlet and an inlet connected to the boiler; and a first dispensing unit, connectable to the outlet for dispensing a hot product. A mixing and cooling unit for making a cold type product includes a processing container and a stirrer, the mixing and cooling unit being connectable to the outlet for receiving the hot product defining a basic ingredient for making a product of the cold type. The outlet is switchable between a first configuration wherein the outlet is operatively connected to the mixing and cooling unit to allow transfer of hot product inside the processing container, and a second configuration wherein the outlet is operatively connected to the first dispensing unit to allow hot product to be dispensed.