Integrated Water Conduit Assembly for Beverage Pump Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water circulation systems for beverage preparation devices, such as coffee machines, are complex, costly, and require numerous assembly steps due to their bulky and discrete part configurations, making them difficult to manufacture and service efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An integrated water circulation system with a simplified design that reduces the number of parts and assembly steps by incorporating the water pump, electrical circuitry, and water level detection into a single or few components, using a snap fit connector and optical sensor for automated assembly and water level measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional water circulation system with discrete parts (valves, heating tubes, pump, silicone hoses, clamping collars) is used, then the system can perform water circulation functions, but the device complexity and number of assembly steps increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (water conduit, pump support member, electrical circuitry connector, and sealing member) into a single integrated water conduit assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate valves, heating tubes, and multiple connection components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining water circulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated water conduit assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides water from the reservoir to the pump, provides structural support for the pump, establishes electrical connections, and creates sealed interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If a traditional water circulation system with multiple discrete parts is used, then the system can be assembled, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase due to numerous assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the water conduit, pump support, electrical connector, and sealing member into a single pre-assembled unit, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps required during manufacturing. This integration lowers assembly cost and time while ensuring consistent quality through reduced human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated water conduit assembly is prepared in advance as a complete sub-assembly with all connections and sealing elements pre-positioned. This preliminary action allows for standardized manufacturing and quality control before installation into the final device, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a traditional water circulation system with discrete parts is used, then the system can be serviced, but the service complexity increases due to difficulty in assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
While the internal components are integrated, the water conduit assembly is designed as a modular unit that can be easily removed and replaced as a complete assembly. This segmentation at the module level simplifies service operations, allowing technicians to replace the entire water circulation assembly without disassembling individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated water conduit assembly incorporates flexible elements and snap-fit connectors that allow for easy insertion and removal during servicing. This dynamic design enables quick replacement of the water circulation system without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
4Reliability
If human intervention is required for assembly of silicon hoses and clamps, then the assembly can be completed, but the automation level decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sealing member and connector elements into a single molded component, the patent eliminates the need for separate hose and clamp assembly steps that require human dexterity. The integrated design allows for automated insertion and connection processes while maintaining reliable sealing through precision molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations (tying hoses, tightening clamps) with automated mechanical insertion of the integrated water conduit assembly. The snap-fit connectors and pre-positioned sealing members enable automated assembly machines to complete connections without human intervention, maintaining connection integrity through precise mechanical design.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the assembly process, and enhances automation, while maintaining the quality and functionality of the beverage preparation device by minimizing the number of parts and assembly operations, and ensuring efficient water management.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor for measuring the water level in the water tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention proposes a beverage preparation device (100) having a water circulation system (500) that comprises: a water source (118) with an outlet (202), a pump (104) with a support member (304) for holding and securing the pump (104) in said device (100), and an integral water conduit (302) with an inlet (102) and an outlet (303) for guiding water from the water source (118) to the pump (104), said conduit outlet (303) being connected to the pump (104), wherein said water source outlet (202) is connected to said water conduit inlet (102) via an annular sealing member (204) that forms an integral protruding portion of the conduit inlet (102) or the source outlet (202); wherein said pump support (304) is integral with the water conduit (302), in particular with the conduit outlet (303).