Tilting Drip Tray Structure for Easier Beverage Maker Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage makers with grid-like drip trays are difficult to clean due to their design, which often requires a large handle opening that compromises the exterior aesthetics and facilitates residue collection, making maintenance cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable drip tray design relative to the support structure, allowing for easy removal and cleaning without a handle or large opening, with a tilting axis along the front side and a tactile pressure area for user-initiated tilting, enabling efficient cleaning and retrofitting of existing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a grid-like drip tray structure is used, then beverage residues can drain through, but the drip tray becomes difficult to remove for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the drip tray tiltable relative to the support structure through a rocker mechanism. The drip tray can be tilted from a horizontal operational position to a tilted cleaning position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that facilitates easy removal and cleaning of the grid-like structure without requiring manual disassembly
2Ease of operation
If a large handle opening is provided in the drip tray, then the drip tray can be easily removed, but the exterior aesthetics are compromised and residue collection is facilitated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a static opening in the drip tray, the patent uses a dynamic tilting mechanism. The drip tray remains intact with no openings during normal operation, preserving aesthetics. When cleaning is needed, the entire tray tilts forward, allowing easy access and removal without requiring any permanent structural openings
3Stability of the object's composition
If the drip tray is made fixed and secure, then container placement is stable, but maintenance and cleaning become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rocker mechanism that allows the drip tray to transition between a stable horizontal position during operation and a tilted position for cleaning. The spring element provides automatic return to the horizontal position, ensuring stability during beverage dispensing while enabling easy access for maintenance when needed
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
Facilitates easy and quick removal of the drip tray for cleaning, reducing manual effort and maintaining aesthetics by allowing dishwasher-safe components, while ensuring secure placement of containers during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The tiltable mounting of the plate is provided by means of a lever support, which is preferably attached to the appliance side. Alternatively, the lever support can also be attached to or molded onto the underside of the plate.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage maker (1) for producing different beverages, with a front dispensing area (2) into which a beverage outlet (3) opens and in which a base suitable for placing a container to be filled with the beverage as a place for leftovers of the beverage or draining plate (4) permeable to other liquids, with a support structure (5) located below the draining plate (4) which supports the draining plate (4), the draining plate (4) being designed such that it can be tilted relative to the supporting structure (5).