Beverage Dispenser Automatic Cleaning Detection for Hygiene Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing machines require complex user interventions for cleaning, which can lead to hygiene issues and cross-contamination, especially when dealing with chilled beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing machine with a delivery path that includes a detector for automatically initiating a cleaning process, a closed circulation loop formed by a removable connector, and a control unit to manage the cleaning process, allowing for automatic and foolproof cleaning without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are used, then users can control the cleaning process, but the complexity of operation increases and cross-contamination risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically detecting the cleaning bottle presence and initiating the cleaning process without manual intervention. The detector senses when a cleaning bottle is placed in the charging area, and the control unit automatically starts the cleaning cycle, eliminating the need for users to manually operate complex cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated detection and control systems. The detector (optical or other sensing mechanism) substitutes for manual user actions, and the control unit automates the cleaning process initiation, replacing the need for users to physically interact with buttons or interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If automated cleaning is implemented, then user intervention is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a detector for sensing the cleaning bottle, a control unit for processing detection signals, and a cleaning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall automated system more manageable and less complex than a fully integrated approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging area serves multiple functions: it acts as both a charging station for the cleaning bottle and a detection zone for initiating cleaning operations. The detector is integrated into the existing charging infrastructure, allowing the same physical space to fulfill both charging and cleaning initiation roles, thereby reducing additional hardware requirements.
3Reliability
If thorough sanitation from inlet to outlet is performed, then hygiene is improved, but the cleaning time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the cleaning bottle in advance and preparing the cleaning mechanism before the actual cleaning process begins. The control unit pre-configures the cleaning parameters and ensures all systems are ready, allowing the cleaning process to start immediately upon bottle placement without delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process is designed to be continuous and uninterrupted, with the liquid delivery system maintaining constant flow through the delivery path. The pump operates continuously to circulate cleaning liquid from the cleaning bottle through the inlet, delivery path, and outlet, ensuring thorough sanitation without idle periods that would extend total cleaning time.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a beverage dispensing machine, comprising a delivery path (2) having a delivery unit (4) for delivering a liquid through the beverage dispensing machine (1), and a dispensing unit (5) for dispensing the delivered liquid. The beverage dispensing machine (1) further comprises a detector (7) for detecting a cleaning command, and a control unit configured to activate a cleaning process based on detection of the cleaning command by the detector (7), wherein the cleaning process comprises delivery of the liquid along the delivery path (2). The invention is further directed to a method for controlling the beverage preparation machine.