Beverage Dispensing Head With Integrated Cleaning Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage dispensing heads lack a built-in cleaning function, requiring manual cleaning with separate instruments, which is labor-intensive and costly, and existing methods for removing beer stone and slime have low efficiency and pose health and environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
An integrated beverage dispensing head with a cleaning module that includes a gas distributor and pulse generator, allowing for the selective supply of cleaning gas or water with pulsation to effectively remove slime and bacteria from dispensing systems, utilizing a one-touch selection mechanism for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with separate instruments is used, then cleaning function is provided, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beverage dispensing function and cleaning function into a single integrated head assembly. The cleaning module is built within the dispensing head, allowing cleaning operations to be performed using the same structural components (nozzle, conduit, valve) without requiring separate cleaning instruments or equipment. This merging eliminates the need for additional cleaning tools while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing head is designed to perform multiple functions: beverage dispensing and cleaning. The same structural components (nozzle, internal conduit, valve mechanism) serve dual purposes - delivering beverages during normal operation and facilitating cleaning operations when the cleaning mode is activated. This multi-functionality reduces equipment complexity by eliminating dedicated cleaning instruments.
2Reliability
If separate cleaning instruments are used, then cleaning is performed, but equipment cost and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is merged with the dispensing head structure, integrating cleaning functionality into the existing beverage dispensing components. The cleaning module shares the same housing, mounting structure, and operational mechanisms as the dispensing function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable hygiene control through consistent cleaning performance.
3Productivity
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning operation is performed, but cleaning efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning operation utilizes periodic pulsation of the cleaning fluid through the valve mechanism. The valve opens and closes in a controlled sequence, creating pulsating flow that enhances the cleaning action against deposited substances. This periodic action increases cleaning efficiency by creating pressure variations that dislodge slime and beer stone more effectively than continuous flow methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses the dispensing head's own structural components (valve, conduit, nozzle) to perform cleaning of the same components. The cleaning fluid is delivered through the existing beverage delivery pathways, and the valve mechanism that controls beverage flow also controls cleaning fluid flow. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external cleaning equipment and reduces cleaning time by utilizing the existing system's infrastructure.
4Productivity
If chemical agents are used for slime removal, then slime removal is achieved, but health and environmental risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cleaning water delivered through the existing beverage dispensing infrastructure to clean the internal components. The cleaning operation leverages the same valve and conduit system that delivers beverages, allowing the use of safe, consumable water instead of chemical agents. This self-service approach enables effective cleaning while avoiding the introduction of harmful chemicals into the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation changes the parameters of the cleaning medium from chemical agents to water, and adjusts the delivery parameters using the existing valve mechanism. By controlling the flow rate, pressure, and pulsation characteristics of the water through the valve, the system achieves effective slime removal without relying on chemical properties of aggressive cleaning agents, thereby eliminating health and environmental hazards.
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 integrated cleaning module enables efficient removal of slime and bacteria from dispensing systems, providing effective sterilization and washing management, reducing labor and equipment costs while improving hygiene control.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning liquid having surging, which is generated by injecting gas into the cleaning liquid in the pulse generator, is discharged to the dispensing head and the tubing
Implementation Method 2
injecting gas into the cleaning liquid in the pulse generator
Implementation Method 3
the so-called 'beer stone,' which is settled on the inside surface of the tubing or beer dispensing system
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning module-integrated beverage dispensing head, capable of selectively providing a cleaning function in addition to a conventional beverage dispensing function. A cleaning module-integrated beverage dispensing head includes a gas distributor (200) outputting a gas flowed in, and a pulse generator (100) receiving a supply of the gas supplied via a hose (300). The gas distributor (200) includes a first gas outlet (220) discharging the gas to the pulse generator (100), a second gas outlet (230) discharging the gas to a container (C) for storing liquid, an internal structure (200a) that is rotatable, and an external structure (200b) that is coupled to the internal structure (200a), to control rotation of the internal structure (200a). Whether or not to supply the gas to the pulse generator (100) through the first gas outlet (220) is determined according to whether or not the internal structure (200a) rotates.