Beverage Dispenser Cleaning Control Using Conductivity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensers require manual connection to cleaning and sanitizing liquid sources for periodic cleaning, which is inconvenient and may lead to inconsistent flavor and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system for beverage dispensers that automatically cleans and sanitizes plumbing and mechanical parts using a controller to regulate the flow of cleaning and sanitizing solutions based on electrical conductivity and flow rate, ensuring a consistent dilution ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning connection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system automatically performs cleaning operations without requiring manual connection to cleaning liquid sources. The controller activates pumps and valves to circulate cleaning solutions through the beverage dispenser's plumbing, enabling the system to clean itself periodically based on predetermined schedules or detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions cleaning liquid sources and pre-configures the plumbing connections before cleaning is needed. The controller is programmed with cleaning schedules and parameters in advance, so that when cleaning time arrives, the system can immediately execute the cleaning sequence without requiring operator intervention for setup.
2Reliability
If automatic cleaning system is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect conditions such as cleaning liquid flow rate, pressure, or conductivity to monitor the cleaning process. The controller receives this feedback and adjusts pump speeds, valve positions, or cleaning solution delivery to maintain optimal cleaning parameters, ensuring consistent and reliable cleaning results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical connection operations with automated electronic control. The controller uses electronic signals to activate solenoid valves, variable speed pumps, and other actuators, substituting the need for manual mechanical assembly and disconnection of cleaning hoses with automated electronic actuation sequences.
3Productivity
If periodic automatic cleaning is performed, then productivity improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is programmed to execute cleaning cycles at predetermined time intervals or based on operational counters (e.g., after a certain number of beverage dispensing cycles). This periodic scheduling ensures that cleaning occurs only when necessary to maintain flavor consistency and safety, rather than continuously, thereby optimizing productivity while managing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pump speeds and valve positions during the cleaning cycle based on real-time sensor feedback. Pumps operate at variable speeds rather than constant high speed, and valves modulate flow rates to match actual cleaning needs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
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 maintains cleanliness and safety by periodically and automatically cleaning and sanitizing the dispenser, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent flavor quality.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor may be included in the beverage dispenser to measure an electrical conductivity of the mixture
Implementation Method 2
A first sensor may be included in the beverage dispenser to measure a flow rate of the mixture passing through the first conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for a beverage dispenser, the system comprising: a water source; a cleaner solution source and/or a sanitizer solution source; at least one cleanable ingredient circuit of the beverage dispenser which is in fluid connection with the water source, and the cleaner solution source and/or sanitizer solution source; a first conduit for connecting the water source to the at least one cleanable ingredient circuit via a sensor; at least one second conduit for connecting the cleaner solution source and/or sanitizer solution source to the first conduit via at least one pump prior to the sensor, thereby forming a mixture of the water, a cleaner solution, and/or a sanitizing solution; and a controller for: (a) receiving a first signal from the sensor representative of electrical conductivity of the mixture, whereby the controller calculates a dilution ratio of the mixture from the electrical conductivity; and/or (b) receiving a second signal from the sensor indicative of a flow rate of the mixture passing through the sensor via the first conduit.