Beverage Dispenser Nozzle with Annular-Path Automated Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, particularly in accessing and thoroughly sanitizing components like O-rings and lines, which is often difficult or impossible without reliable labor.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizing system for beverage dispensers that includes a nozzle with an annular and central flow path, a heater, temperature and pressure sensors, a controller, and a pump to automate the sanitization process, ensuring thorough and timely cleaning of the system, including O-rings and lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanitization is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but sanitization thoroughness and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service sanitization by automatically pumping sanitizing liquid through the beverage dispensing system without requiring manual intervention. The controller activates the pump to circulate sanitizing liquid through lines and components, making the system sanitize itself reliably without depending on labor availability or skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sanitization with an automated fluid delivery system. The pump, controller, and flow distribution network substitute for human hands and tools, providing consistent, thorough sanitization through controlled liquid flow that reaches all system components including O-rings and lines.
2Reliability
If manual sanitization is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but access to hard-to-reach components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into separate flow paths: a central flow path for beverage dispensing and an annular flow path for sanitizing liquid delivery. This segmentation allows sanitizing liquid to be directed through the annular path to reach O-rings and components that are inaccessible through the central beverage path alone, improving sanitization thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular flow path acts as an intermediary channel that delivers sanitizing liquid to difficult-to-reach areas. By introducing a separate fluid pathway dedicated to sanitization, the system reaches components like O-rings and internal line surfaces that would otherwise be inaccessible to manual cleaning or simple flush procedures.
3Reliability
If automated sanitization is implemented, then sanitization consistency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle structure serves multiple functions: it dispenses beverages through the central flow path and delivers sanitizing liquid through the annular flow path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate sanitization hardware, as the beverage dispensing components are adapted to also handle sanitization, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage dispensing system and sanitization system are merged into a single integrated nozzle assembly. Both beverage flow and sanitizing liquid flow share the same nozzle housing and outlet structure, with the annular and central paths working together. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components compared to having entirely independent systems.
4Reliability
If high pressure is used for sanitization, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but risk of liquid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular flow path provides localized quality control for sanitizing liquid delivery. By directing sanitizing liquid through a dedicated annular channel that flows alongside the central beverage path, the system applies high pressure selectively to sanitization zones without compromising the sealing requirements of the beverage dispensing function. The O-ring sealing surfaces are specifically targeted by the annular flow.
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 dependable, thorough, and easy-to-use sanitization, automating the cleaning process to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in beverage dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A heater is provided for heating sanitizing liquid before reaching the nozzle inlet
Implementation Method 2
There can be, a controller for controlling the pump, and a flow rate sensor for sensing the flow rate of the sanitizing liquid
Implementation Method 3
there can be a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the sanitizing liquid, the pressure sensor being capable of providing an output to the controller based on the sensed pressure
Implementation Method 4
a flow rate sensor for sensing the flow rate of the sanitizing liquid. The flow rate sensor is capable of providing an output to the controller based on the sensed flow rate
Implementation Method 5
there is a controller for controlling the heater where the system comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the sanitizing liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning a beverage dispenser that has a nozzle for receiving a beverage and a sanitizing fluid as a housing. The housing has an outer wall and inner wall with annular flow path between the walls. There is a central flow path through the nozzle and a connection for fluid flow of sanitizing fluid between the central flow path and the annular flow path. The nozzle also has inlet for introduction of the sanitizing fluid. The system can be provided with a controller for controlling temperature, pressure and flow rate of the sanitizing fluid, the controller including memory for storing information when sanitization occurred.