System For Reversibly Attaching An Accessory To A Hot Water/Steam Dispensing Outlet, Corresponding Accessory And Beverage Dispensing Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for accessories to hot water and/or steam dispensing outlets on beverage machines, such as coffee machines, are not optimized for user safety and are complex to operate, particularly due to the risk of ejection or steam projection during overpressure events like clogging.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a main body with elastically deformable arms that cooperate with locking reliefs on the dispensing outlet, allowing for secure and easy attachment and detachment of accessories, with features like a bearing surface for easy operation and a through port for optimized attachment, ensuring user safety and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible latch with locking relief is used for attachment, then the accessory can be reversibly attached to the dispensing outlet, but the system does not guarantee user safety during overpressure events
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two separate elastically deformable arms that can independently engage with locking reliefs on the dispensing outlet. This segmentation allows each arm to function as an independent safety mechanism, where both arms must be simultaneously activated to release the accessory, preventing accidental ejection during overpressure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface is positioned and designed to require deliberate user action to activate the unlocking mechanism. The geometry of the bearing surface ensures that normal operational forces (including overpressure) cannot accidentally trigger the release, as the user must apply force in a specific direction and magnitude to move both arms to the unlocked position.
2Reliability
If a complex attachment system with multiple components is used, then the accessory can be securely locked, but operating the system becomes complex for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The two elastically deformable arms are integrated into a single locking element that is received within the main body of the accessory. This merging reduces the number of separate components the user must handle, while the bearing surface combines the function of actuating both arms simultaneously into a single user interaction point, simplifying operation despite the dual-arm locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastically deformable arms automatically return to the locked position after being pressed, utilizing their inherent elasticity to reset the locking mechanism without requiring additional user action. This self-service feature simplifies operation, as the user only needs to press the bearing surface to unlock, and the system automatically re-locks after release.
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 provides reliable and secure attachment of accessories, enhancing user safety and simplifying operation by allowing easy locking and unlocking with minimal user effort, while preventing accidental ejection or steam exposure during overpressure.
Implementation Method 1
comprises two elastically deformable arms designed to cooperate with at least one locking relief formed on the dispensing outlet, the arms being designed to be moved between a position in which the accessory is locked to the dispensing outlet and an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reversibly attaching an accessory to a hot water and/or steam dispensing outlet of a beverage dispensing machine includes a main body and a locking element. The locking element is received in the main body and includes two elastically deformable arms designed to cooperate with at least one locking relief formed on the dispensing outlet. The arms are configured to be moved between a position in which the accessory is locked to the dispensing outlet and an unlocked position.