Beverage Line Cleaning Control for Traceable Automated Rinsing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage line cleaning methods, both manual and automated, are inefficient, prone to human error, require significant time and resources, and lack effective quality assurance, leading to inconsistent cleaning results and waste of beverages.

Innovation Solution

A beverage line cleaning apparatus and system that uses mains water and a chemical solution to automate the cleaning process, incorporating sensors and a controller to ensure precise fluid control, data collection, and integration with networked draft beer systems for real-time monitoring and optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cleaning methods are used, then personnel can perform cleaning tasks, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-cleaning of beverage lines through automated fluid delivery, chemical dosing, and cycle control without requiring manual intervention for each cleaning operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical cleaning operations are replaced by an automated electronic control system that manages fluid delivery, chemical dosing, and cleaning cycle sequencing through sensors and programmable logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual cleaning procedures are followed, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning quality consistency deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning quality consistencyVSAvoidcleaning parameter precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors monitor cleaning process parameters such as fluid flow, chemical concentration, and line conditions to provide feedback that ensures consistent cleaning quality and enables automatic adjustment of cleaning parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures cleaning parameters, chemical dosing ratios, and fluid delivery sequences before cleaning operations to eliminate variability introduced during manual execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated cleaning systems are implemented, then cleaning efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning automation levelVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated cleaning system is designed to handle multiple beverage line configurations and cleaning scenarios through a single integrated platform that adapts to different line types and contamination levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Fluid delivery, chemical dosing, cycle control, and monitoring functions are merged into a single integrated automated system rather than separate manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Quantity of substance

If conventional cleaning cycles are used, then basic cleaning is achieved, but resource optimization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater and chemical usage efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning parameter adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts cleaning parameters such as fluid flow rates, chemical dosing amounts, and cycle durations based on real-time sensor data and specific line conditions to optimize resource usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of beverage lines receive tailored cleaning treatment based on their specific contamination characteristics and line geometry, with localized adjustment of chemical dosing and fluid delivery parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances cleaning accuracy, reduces time and resource consumption, and provides consistent quality assurance by automating the cleaning process while minimizing beverage waste and enabling data-driven maintenance programs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pump means for causing flow of mains water to the output fluid conduit through the rinsing water conduit and the cleaning fluid conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The chemical is soaked in the lines for the correct period of time on a set number of chemical cycles in order to break down the contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical breakdown: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

at least one sensor configured to detect parameters of the cleaning fluid after the cleaning fluid has been allowed to flow from the mixing chamber through the output fluid conduit and out through the at least one beverage line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4085021B1A beverage line cleaning apparatus and system

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 PUBINNO INOVASYON ARGE PAZ AS

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for beverage line cleaning that enables an easy and traceable cleaning process. The disclosed apparatus and system can optimize the cleaning process by dynamically monitoring and using remote connections in order to perform an effective cleaning process.