Coffee Machine Cleaning Key for Tablet Dosing and Secure Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine cleaning systems are complex and difficult to handle, requiring sophisticated dosing mechanisms and control systems for soluble cleaning agents, which complicates the cleaning process and may not ensure proper purity of the products.
Innovation Solution
A simple and reliable cleaning key system with a storage chamber that can be easily filled with cleaning tablets, featuring a sleeve-shaped housing, a rotating mechanism for switching between locked and unlocked positions, and flushing connections for dissolving tablets in the cleaning liquid, ensuring only authorized personnel can operate it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dosing screw and dosing barrier are used to supply cleaning agent, then the cleaning agent can be supplied in controlled portions, but the device becomes complex in terms of design and control
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning agent is supplied in pre-segmented tablet form rather than requiring a complex dosing screw mechanism to create portions. The tablets are divided into individual cleaning units that can be easily loaded and dispensed without sophisticated dosing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable cleaning tablets instead of a reusable complex dosing mechanism. The tablets are single-use cleaning agents that are loaded into a simple storage chamber and dispensed as needed, eliminating the need for a complex dosing screw and barrier system.
2Reliability
If a complex dosing device with sensor and shut-off mechanism is used, then the cleaning agent can be precisely controlled and monitored, but the device becomes difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tablets are self-contained units that automatically dissolve and release the cleaning agent when exposed to cleaning liquid. The system serves itself by using the physical-chemical properties of the tablets rather than requiring complex sensors and shut-off mechanisms for control.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical dosing system with sensors and shut-off devices is replaced by the simple physical dissolution of tablets in cleaning liquid. The control function is achieved through the natural dissolving process rather than mechanical actuation and sensing.
3Reliability
If the storage chamber is always locked for security, then only authorized personnel can access it, but it becomes difficult to fill with cleaning agent
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic state where it can be easily opened by authorized personnel using a key. The key provides a simple mechanical interface that overrides the lock mechanism, allowing quick access for refilling without complex procedures.
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 system simplifies the handling and operation of cleaning agents, ensuring thorough cleaning and optimal cleaning effects by allowing easy access for filling and dissolving tablets within the cleaning circuit, thereby maintaining product purity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning agent is supplied in the form of granules or small tablets... When the chamber is flushed, the cleaning tablets located there are dissolved in the cleaning liquid and thus give it the desired properties
Data Source
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Figure 5~6a
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines and similar devices, in the cleaning circuit (1) of which a cleaning key (20) having a storage chamber (24) is installed for receiving appropriately configured cleaning tablets (25). The cleaning key (20) can be turned in a sleeve-like housing (22) into two operating positions at defined angles of rotation, wherein in one operating position the storage chamber (24) is fixed in the housing (22), whilst in the other operating position the storage chamber is released and can be removed from the housing (22) to be filled or refilled with suitably packaged cleaning tablets.