Beverage preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk-based beverage preparation machines are inefficient in removing milk residues, leading to scale formation and bacterial contamination, as current washing methods either dilute beverages or require additional mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-pneumatic washing circuit that supplies a washing liquid followed by pressurized air to the milk and air lines, using water from the same source as the steam and water lines, to effectively remove milk residues without diluting subsequent beverages and without additional mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning fluid is discharged from the milk circuit at the end of washing, then milk residues are removed, but cleaning fluid remains in the circuit and dilutes the next beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic blowing phase where compressed air is introduced into the milk circuit to expel residual cleaning fluid. The air flow moves through the circuit and forces the liquid cleaning fluid out of the milk lines and mixing chamber, preventing beverage dilution while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process is divided into distinct periodic phases: a liquid cleaning phase followed by a pneumatic blowing phase. This periodic alternation between liquid and gas phases ensures thorough cleaning while eliminating residual liquid before beverage preparation begins
2Reliability
If washing is performed after each beverage delivery, then milk residues are removed preventing scale and bacteria, but additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The air circuit serves dual functions: it supplies air for foam preparation during normal operation and provides compressed air for the pneumatic blowing phase during washing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical components dedicated solely to the washing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing air supply infrastructure to perform the washing function. The compressed air system that is already part of the beverage preparation machine is utilized to expel cleaning fluid, making the washing process self-sufficient without requiring external specialized 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
The hydro-pneumatic washing circuit effectively removes milk residues after each beverage delivery and at predetermined intervals, preventing scale formation and bacterial growth while minimizing water usage and mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a beverage preparation machine (1), in particular a milk-based beverage preparation machine, with a hydro-pneumatic washing circuit
Implementation Method 2
supplies a washing liquid followed by pressurized air to the milk and air lines
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a mixing chamber (4); a milk line (5) to supply milk from a milk container (6) to the mixing chamber (4); an air line (8) to supply air to the mixing chamber (4) to produce foamed beverages; an air pump (33) and a liquid pump (17; 26) fluidically connected to the milk line (5) and to the air line (8); and an electronic control unit (22) programmed to operate the beverage preparation machine (1) in a washing mode, in which the liquid pump (17; 26) is first operated to supply a given amount of a washing liquid to the air line (8) and the milk line (5), and, subsequently, the air pump (33) is operated to supply the air line (8) and the milk line (5) with a given amount of pressurised air to empty the air line (8) and the milk line (5) of the washing liquid.