Coffee Machine Cleaning Agent Metering for Adaptive Auto-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for beverage machines, such as coffee machines, lack automatic adaptation to operating conditions, resulting in suboptimal cleaning performance and inefficient use of cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and metering apparatus for cleaning agents, which allows for customized programming and precise metering of cleaning balls or tablets, ensuring optimal cleaning performance while minimizing agent usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual cleaning systems are used, then cleaning can be performed, but automatic adaptation to operating conditions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system automatically monitors its own operation through sensors that detect operating conditions, and self-adjusts the cleaning process without external intervention. The system serves itself by automatically metering cleaning agents and controlling cleaning cycles based on detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect operating conditions and feed this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the cleaning process accordingly. The control unit receives signals from sensors about the current state of the beverage machine and modifies cleaning parameters based on this feedback.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cleaning programmes are used, then cleaning can be performed, but optimization for different operating conditions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system transitions from static, fixed programs to dynamic adaptation where cleaning parameters continuously adjust based on detected operating conditions. The control unit dynamically modifies cleaning intensity, duration, and agent metering according to real-time sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cleaning parameters such as agent concentration, metering rates, and cycle timing based on detected operating conditions. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically to optimize cleaning effectiveness for different beverage types and usage intensities.
3Reliability
If excessive cleaning agents are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but waste of cleaning liquid and agents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual estimation and fixed-dose mechanical dispensing with electronic sensing and controlled metering. Sensors detect actual cleaning needs, and electronic control units precisely regulate agent release, substituting粗放式 dispensing with precision control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full cleaning agent doses unconditionally, the system applies partial doses when cleaning needs are lower and excessive doses when cleaning needs are higher. The metering apparatus adjusts agent release to match actual requirements rather than applying fixed amounts.
4Measurement precision
If simple metering mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but precise metering of cleaning agents is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between sensor detection and agent dispensing, coordinating the metering apparatus to achieve precise delivery. The intermediary control system integrates sensor data and translates it into precise metering commands for the cleaning agent release mechanism.
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
Enables fully automatic, optimized cleaning with precise control over cleaning agent concentration, reducing waste and maintaining hygienic conditions across all operational phases.
Implementation Method 1
the metering cabinet is monitored by a light barrier or a micro-switch
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents.