Automated multi-beverage dispenser with self-cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage dispensing systems face limitations in flexibility, user-friendliness, and simplicity of cleaning and maintenance, particularly when dealing with diverse beverage combinations and infusions.
Innovation Solution
An automated cleaning system for beverage dispensers that includes a plurality of beverage preparation areas, a fluid supply line, and a cleaning medium source, with controllable constant flow valves and processing circuitry to manage the flow of cleaning agents and ensure precise cleaning and disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beverage dispensing systems provide a limited set of beverage options, then system complexity is reduced, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal cleaning medium source that can provide different cleaning solutions (caustic, acid, rinse) through a single integrated unit. The cleaning medium source is configured to selectively provide different cleaning solutions to different beverage preparation areas, allowing one component to perform multiple cleaning functions that would traditionally require separate systems for each beverage type.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage preparation areas are configured to receive cleaning solutions automatically through the cleaning system. The system enables self-cleaning operation where cleaning solutions are automatically delivered to the beverage preparation areas without requiring manual intervention, and the processing circuitry automatically controls the cleaning medium source and flow valves to provide appropriate cleaning solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning medium source acts as an intermediary between the water supply and the beverage preparation areas. It receives water from the water supply, processes it into different cleaning solutions (caustic, acid, rinse), and selectively delivers the appropriate cleaning solution to each beverage preparation area through controlled flow valves, ensuring proper cleaning without direct manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If different cleaning solutions are used for different beverage preparation areas, then cleaning precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each beverage preparation area is configured to receive a specific type of cleaning solution appropriate for its particular cleaning requirements. The system selectively directs caustic cleaning solution to some areas, acid cleaning solution to others, and rinse water to specific areas, ensuring each area receives the locally appropriate cleaning medium for optimal cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system dynamically adjusts which cleaning solution is delivered to each beverage preparation area based on real-time requirements. The processing circuitry controls the flow valves to selectively open or close pathways, dynamically routing the appropriate cleaning solution from the cleaning medium source to each specific beverage preparation area as needed during the cleaning cycle.
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 a flexible and user-friendly solution for cleaning and maintenance, ensuring thorough disinfection and reducing the risk of equipment failure and bacterial contamination, while also accommodating diverse beverage types and recipes.
Implementation Method 1
activating the first controllable constant flow valve allows the pressurized fluid to be provided to the cleaning medium source at a first flow rate of the first controllable constant flow valve such that an output of the cleaning medium source has a particular concentration of the cleaning medium
Implementation Method 2
a second controllable constant flow valve coupled to the output of the cleaning medium source to provide the output of the cleaning medium source with the particular concentration to a first beverage preparation area at a second flow rate of the second controllable constant flow valve
Implementation Method 3
The fluid supply line provides a fluid path for a pressurized fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods are directed to cleaning systems for an automated beverage dispenser. A plurality of beverage preparation areas or cleaning areas may be provided with pressurized fluid from a cleaning medium source via a fluid supply line. The cleaning system further comprises a first controllable constant flow valve for providing pressurized fluid to the cleaning medium. A second controllable constant flow valve provides an output of the cleaning medium source to a cleaning area. The first controllable constant flow valve may be enabled at a first time associated with a beginning of a cleaning cycle of the first cleaning area. The second controllable constant flow valve may be enabled thereafter. The first controllable constant flow valve and the second controllable constant flow valve may be disabled after an end of the cleaning cycle of the first cleaning area.