Automatic beverage machine and method for operating an automatic beverage machine of this kind
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinks vending machines face issues with syrupy beverage components adhering to outlets, leading to taste contamination and mechanical complexity in cleaning, with a lack of efficient drip catchers and simple cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A drinks machine with a pivotable trough under the outlet allows for easy cleaning by moving the trough between positions to catch and remove residues, using rinsing liquids and steam or air for effective cleaning, and includes a drip pan for safe liquid collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a mechanical cleaning mechanism is provided to clean the outlet, then the outlet can be cleaned, but the device complexity increases and requires additional components like milk supply containers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from complex mechanical mechanisms and implements it through a simple movable trough that can be positioned to receive cleaning liquid. The trough is separated from the outlet structure and can be independently moved into cleaning position, eliminating the need for complex integrated cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable trough acts as an intermediary element between the cleaning liquid source and the outlet. Instead of directly applying cleaning mechanisms to the outlet, the trough receives cleaning liquid and uses it to clean the outlet surface, simplifying the overall cleaning system.
2Productivity
If syrupy beverage components are dispensed through the outlet, then the machine can dispense concentrated beverage components, but residues adhere to the outlet edges and contaminate subsequent drinks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary cleaning action by providing a movable trough that can be positioned under the outlet to catch and remove residues before they contaminate subsequent beverages. The trough can be moved into position during or between dispensing operations to prevent residue buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful adhesive property of syrupy residues into a beneficial cleaning opportunity. By providing a movable trough that can be positioned to receive cleaning liquid, the system uses the presence of residues as an indicator to activate the cleaning function, transforming the contamination problem into a triggered cleaning action.
3Reliability
If a drip catcher is provided under the outlet, then liquid can be caught when the machine is not dispensing, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the trough movable rather than fixed. The trough can be moved between a dispensing position (out of the way during beverage dispensing) and a cleaning position (under the outlet to catch liquid and residues). This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for complex fixed mechanical structures while maintaining liquid catching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable trough serves multiple functions: it acts as a drip catcher during non-dispensing periods, a collection vessel during cleaning operations, and can be positioned to prevent residue buildup. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
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 simplifies the cleaning process, prevents residue buildup, and ensures the outlet is cleaned externally, maintaining taste quality and reducing mechanical complexity, while allowing for automated cleaning and space-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a trough being arranged in the area of the outlet, which can be moved between a first position, in which the prepared drink or the stored component can pass unhindered from the spout into a vessel underneath, and a second position in which the trough accommodates at least a lower part of the spout
Implementation Method 2
using rinsing liquids and steam or air for effective cleaning
Implementation Method 3
using rinsing liquids and steam or air for effective cleaning
Implementation Method 4
using rinsing liquids and steam or air for effective cleaning
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic beverage machine (50) comprises a downwardly directed outlet (51) for dispensing a beverage which has been prepared in the automatic beverage machine (50) and/or for dispensing a component of a beverage, which component has been stored in the automatic beverage machine (50), into a vessel (56) which is situated beneath said outlet. Simple automatic cleaning is made possible by virtue of a trough (43) being arranged in the region of the outlet (51), it being possible for said trough to move to and fro between a first position, in which the prepared beverage or the stored component can pass without obstruction from the outlet (51) into a vessel (56) which is situated beneath said outlet, and a second position, in which the trough (43) accommodates at least a lower part of the outlet (51).