Beverage Machine Cleaning Device with Variable-Capacity Pump Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinks machines with cleaning devices have complex structures and require mechanical coupling for motor power transmission, making them less durable and reliable, and necessitate user intervention for maintenance, which can lead to clogging and blockages.
Innovation Solution
A simplified cleaning device with a control device that manages pump power and flow rates to prevent clogging, using a motor controller to vary electrical power and frequency, allowing for automatic operation and intermittent flow to prevent adhesions, and a spray device for dissolving solid care products, enabling efficient cleaning and maintenance without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump with mechanical coupling is used to supply cleaning agent, then the cleaning device can be operated, but the structure becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with an electrical drive system. The pump is driven directly by an electric motor controlled by a control device, eliminating the need for mechanical power transmission components such as belts, gears, or shafts. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrical systems reduces structural complexity and improves reliability by removing mechanical wear points and coupling mechanisms.
2Reliability
If continuous flow of cleaning agent is maintained, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but clogging and adhesion on pipe walls occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is configured to operate the pump in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The pump alternates between operating states (supplying cleaning agent) and idle states (not supplying). During idle periods, the flow stops, allowing the cleaning agent to recirculate or drain, preventing adhesion on pipe walls. This periodic operation maintains cleaning effectiveness while preventing clogging and adhesion problems.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at full power continuously, then cleaning performance is maximized, but energy consumption increases and motor overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the pump's operating parameters including power output, flow rate, and pressure based on actual cleaning needs and system conditions. The pump operates at variable speeds and power levels rather than constant full power, optimizing cleaning performance while reducing energy consumption and preventing motor overload. The system adapts its operation in real-time to maintain productivity without excessive energy use.
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 solution ensures reliable, automatic maintenance, prevents clogging, and allows for precise control of cleaning processes, ensuring the drinks machine operates efficiently and effectively without user intervention, maintaining the flow lines and nozzles in a clean state.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically driven pump for supplying the cleaning agent or a cleaning solution the cleaning device into the flow line system
Implementation Method 2
a spray device for dissolving solid care products
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a beverage dispenser (1) for preparing infused beverages, comprising a flow line system (2) with a valve arrangement (V1, V2, V3, V4) and a cleaning device (80) for carrying out a cleaning and/or maintenance process, comprising a reservoir cartridge (81) for storing cleaning agent (R), and an electrically driven pump (8, M) for supplying the cleaning agent (R) or a cleaning solution (S) from the cleaning device (80) into the flow line system (2), further comprising a control unit (18) for activating and deactivating the valve arrangement (V1, V2, V3, V4) and the pump (8, M) for carrying out the beverage preparation and the cleaning or maintenance process. To improve an automatic cleaning process, the control unit (18) is further configured and programmed to activate the pump (8, M) with different pumping capacities (Pmax, P).