Method for cleaning a coffee machine, coffee machine and computer program product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning grinders integrated into coffee machines are unsafe and ineffective, as they risk contaminating the brewing unit with cleaning agents and compromising beverage quality or machine integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for cleaning the grinder within a coffee machine that involves selecting a grinder cleaning program, grinding coffee beans to empty, adding cleaning agents, activating the grinder, and then grinding coffee beans to remove residues, all controlled by a control unit, ensuring safe and thorough cleaning without manual manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning granules are added to the grinder without manipulating the device, then the cleaning process is simple, but cleaning granules will be ground into the brewing unit and contaminate the brewing process
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is divided into distinct phases: first grinding coffee beans to empty, then adding cleaning agent, grinding the cleaning agent, and finally adding more coffee beans to flush residues. This segmentation ensures cleaning granules are contained and properly removed from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Coffee beans are ground to empty before adding the cleaning agent, preparing the grinder by removing all coffee grounds that would mix with the cleaning granules. This preliminary action prevents contamination of the brewing unit with cleaning residues.
2Reliability
If the grinder is cleaned thoroughly by manual operation until all granules are dispensed, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device requires improper tampering and complex operation
Solution Approach 1:
The grinder cleaning program automates the cleaning process through controlled activation and deactivation cycles. The system self-manages the grinding of cleaning agent and subsequent flushing with coffee beans, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring thorough cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the grinding process and detects when cleaning agent has been processed. Based on this feedback, the system automatically deactivates the grinder and initiates the flushing phase, ensuring complete removal of cleaning residues without requiring operator judgment.
3Device complexity
If cleaning is performed with integrated grinder and brewing unit, then device integration is maintained, but cleaning agent residues may damage the brewing unit
Solution Approach 1:
Coffee beans serve as an intermediary substance that flushes cleaning agent residues from the grinder into the collection tray. By using coffee beans as a mediator, the system safely transports potentially harmful cleaning residues away from the brewing unit without direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the brewing unit's normal coffee grinding function to benefit the cleaning process. The brewing unit is moved to a cleaning position where it receives ground cleaning agent, then normal coffee bean grinding flushes residues into the collection tray, converting a potential harm into a beneficial self-cleaning 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 safe and efficient cleaning of integrated grinders without risking harmful residues in the brewing unit, reducing waste, and requiring no detailed knowledge of the machine's operation, thus ensuring safe and simple maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
activating the grinder to grind the cleaning agent and clean grinder components
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning a coffee machine (1) comprising a grinder (2), a brewing unit (3), and a control unit (3). The invention also relates to a coffee machine (1) configured and programmed accordingly and to a computer program product comprising corresponding commands.