Beer Dispensing Device With Automated Cleaning-In-Place Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cleaning process of beer dispensing systems is labor-intensive and inefficient due to the need for personnel to manually handle couplings and frequently move between remote locations, such as kegs in basements and taps in serving areas, complicating the transition between beer dispensing and cleaning modes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a common chamber and controllable shut-off valves for air, cleaning agent, vent, and pressure ports, controlled by an electronic controller, allowing for independent management of fluid flow to facilitate beer dispensing and cleaning-in-place (CIP) operations without manual decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning process is used with personnel physically moving between keg and beer tap, then cleaning can be performed, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically switching between beer dispensing and cleaning modes through electronically controlled valves. The controller autonomously manages the transition without requiring personnel to physically move between locations, allowing the system to clean itself via the cleaning agent port while maintaining beer dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical cleaning process with an automated electronic control system. Instead of personnel physically handling couplings and moving between keg and tap locations, an electronic controller with controllable shut-off valves automates the mode transitions and cleaning fluid delivery, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote location of keg coupler from beer tap is maintained, then system flexibility is preserved, but cleaning complexity increases due to full-length fluid line cleaning requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The common chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection point for beer dispensing operations and simultaneously as a control point for cleaning operations. The electronically controlled shut-off valves enable the same physical infrastructure to handle both beer flow and cleaning agent flow, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate cleaning infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complex cleaning process remotely. Instead of requiring direct manual intervention at both the keg and tap locations, the controller coordinates valve operations to automate cleaning fluid delivery through the fluid line, simplifying the user interface while maintaining the ability to clean remote locations.
3Reliability
If manual handling of couplings is required for mode switching, then system control is achieved, but operational ease deteriorates due to labor-intensive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling handling with an electronic control system. The controller automatically actuates shut-off valves to switch between beer dispensing and cleaning modes, eliminating the need for personnel to manually disconnect or reconfigure physical couplings. This maintains reliable mode transition control while dramatically improving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service mode transitions by automatically switching between dispensing and cleaning functions through electronic valve control. The controller autonomously manages the mode changes without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating and eliminating labor-intensive coupling handling procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A device (1) for a beer dispensing system, the device comprising a common chamber (2) having an air port (3), a cleaning agent port (4), a vent port (5), a pressure port (6) and an actuator port (7), wherein each of said ports being associated with an electrical or pneumatic controllable shut-off valve (V3, V4, V5, V6, V7) to control a flow of fluid through the ports individually from each other.