Beverage-Making Apparatus with Integrated Cleaning and Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage-making apparatuses require separate components for cleaning and sterilization, which complicates the brewing process and increases equipment complexity.
Innovation Solution
A beverage-making apparatus that integrates components for brewing, cleaning, and sterilization using a water supply system, ingredient supplier, and processor to control valves and heating elements, allowing for simultaneous cleaning and sterilization of channels and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for cleaning and sterilization, then hygiene standards are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate cleaning and sterilization components into an integrated system. The water supply heater serves dual purposes: heating water for brewing and providing hot water for cleaning channels. The ingredient supplier and beverage extractor are designed to facilitate both brewing operations and self-cleaning cycles, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing components are designed to perform multiple functions. The water supply system can provide water for both brewing and cleaning operations. The heating element can heat water for brewing processes and for sterilization/cleaning processes. The valve system can direct water flow for both ingredient supply and channel cleaning, reducing the need for dedicated cleaning components.
2Device complexity
If integrated components are used for brewing and cleaning, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of valves and water flow to adapt the same components for different functions. During brewing, valves direct water to ingredients; during cleaning, the same valves redirect water to flush channels. The beverage extractor can operate in extraction mode during brewing and in flushing mode during cleaning, with operational characteristics adjusted through control logic rather than physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters to achieve different functions. Water temperature is adjusted between brewing temperatures and cleaning/sterilization temperatures. Flow rates are modified to optimize ingredient supply versus channel flushing. The heating element operates at different power levels for brewing versus cleaning cycles, ensuring effective sanitation without requiring separate high-power cleaning equipment.
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
Simplifies the brewing process by using integrated components to cleanse and sterilize equipment, reducing complexity and the need for additional cleaning tools while maintaining hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a water supply heater configured to heat water
Implementation Method 2
a beverage extractor connected to the first channel at a location between the ingredient supplier and the first valve
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage-making apparatus includes a water supply heater configured to heat water; an ingredient supplier connected to the water supply heater through a water supply channel; a container connected to the ingredient supplier through a first channel; a first valve configured to regulate a flow through the first channel; and a beverage extractor connected to the first channel at a location between the ingredient supplier and the first valve.