Beverage Tapping Device Cooling and Remote Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tapping devices for beverages, such as beer, are prone to microbiological contamination due to their sensitivity, which affects the shelf life and quality of the dispensed beverage.
Innovation Solution
A tapping device with a remotely controllable regulating unit and cooling means that maintains a favorable microbiological climate by cooling the connecting device to below 15°C, preventing bacterial growth and reducing contamination risk, allowing for remote cleaning without uncoupling from the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting device is regularly cleaned by uncoupling from the container, then contamination is reduced, but operational complexity and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the manual uncoupling process by introducing a rinsing line that delivers cleaning liquid directly to the connecting device while it remains coupled to the container, separating the cleaning action from the mechanical disassembly operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is made self-cleaning through the integrated rinsing system that automatically delivers cleaning liquid to the device without requiring manual intervention or uncoupling, allowing the device to clean itself in place
2Reliability
If the connecting device is cooled to below 15°C, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system applies local quality by cooling only the connecting device and immediate surrounding area to below 15°C, rather than cooling the entire beverage storage system, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining microbiological stability where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the connecting device to below 15°C, creating a favorable microbiological climate that inhibits bacterial growth without requiring continuous cooling of the entire system
3Productivity
If the connecting device is cooled and remotely controlled, then cleaning frequency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a remotely controllable regulating unit as an intermediary that manages the beverage valve and rinsing operations, allowing cleaning to be initiated from a distance without requiring physical presence at the connecting device
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 significantly reduces the risk of contamination, maintaining better beverage quality and extending shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing the frequency of cleaning operations.
Implementation Method 1
cooling means are provided for cooling the connecting device... The cooling means allow for a favourable microbiological climate to be maintained in and around the connecting device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A tapping device, comprising a container with at least one beverage valve and a connecting device for connection to and operation of the beverage valve, wherein cooling means are provided for cooling the connecting device, wherein for instance the container is filled with fermented beverage, in particular beer, and/or the connecting device is at least partly included in a cooled space. A cooling line or cooling jacket is optionally provided around said connecting device.