Cleaning system for a coffee machine or a similar device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine cleaning systems are complex and difficult to handle, requiring sophisticated metering systems and control mechanisms for delivering cleaning agents, which complicates the cleaning process and may not ensure only authorized personnel can operate it.
Innovation Solution
A simple and reliable cleaning key system with two operating positions, a hollow cylindrical storage chamber, and side window for easy filling and flushing, along with annular cleaning tablets that match the storage chamber geometry, allowing for secure, efficient delivery and dissolution of cleaning agents within the cleaning circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metering screw with complex structure and control system is used to deliver cleaning agent, then the delivery can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning agent delivery function from the complex metering screw and control system, replacing it with a simple storage chamber that can be manually filled. The cleaning agent is stored in the chamber and delivered passively through the cleaning circuit, eliminating the need for sophisticated metering mechanisms while maintaining reliable cleaning agent delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chamber is designed to be self-filled through a filling opening, eliminating the need for external metering systems. The chamber automatically delivers cleaning agent to the cleaning circuit during operation, and can be easily refilled by removing the chamber or opening the filling opening, making the system self-servicing without complex controls.
2Reliability
If a complex metering system is used, then cleaning agent delivery can be controlled, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is designed to be self-filled through a filling opening, eliminating the need for external metering systems. The chamber automatically delivers cleaning agent to the cleaning circuit during operation, and can be easily refilled by removing the chamber or opening the filling opening, making the system self-servicing without complex controls.
3Ease of operation
If the storage chamber is always accessible, then ease of operation improves, but unauthorized access and misuse increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber's accessibility is made dynamic through a locking mechanism that can switch between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the chamber is locked to prevent unauthorized access. When filling is required, authorized personnel can unlock the chamber using a key or code, fill it, and then relock it, thus dynamically controlling access based on operational needs.
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 delivery and handling of cleaning agents, ensures only authorized personnel can operate the system, and optimizes the cleaning effect by allowing adjustable tablet stacking for varying cleaning needs, while maintaining the system's reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning tablets located here are dissolved in the cleaning liquid and thus give it the respectively desired properties
Data Source
AI summary
Cleaning system for coffee machines and similar devices, in the cleaning circuit of which a cleaning key having a storage chamber is installed for receiving appropriately configured cleaning tablets. The cleaning key can be turned in a sleeve-like housing into two operating positions at defined angles of rotation, wherein in one operating position the storage chamber is fixed in the housing while in the other operating position, the storage chamber is released and can be removed from the housing to be filled or refilled with suitably packaged cleaning tablets.