Coffee Machine Service Cycle Combining Descaling and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines require separate and complex service processes for descaling and cleaning, leading to increased operational time and risk of confusion between different cleaning cycles, which complicates sequence control and may result in forgotten or missed maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A combined service process that integrates descaling and cleaning cycles into a single operation, using a mixed agent for both functions and allowing simultaneous or sequential execution, reducing the need for separate rinsing cycles and operator intervention, thereby simplifying sequence control and reducing operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate service processes are used for descaling and cleaning, then each service requirement can be fulfilled specifically, but the operational time increases and the sequence control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate descaling and cleaning service processes into a single integrated service process. The control unit coordinates multiple service operations (descaling, cleaning, rinsing) to execute within one unified sequence, reducing the total operational time while ensuring all service requirements are met through systematic integration of previously separate procedures.
2Productivity
If separate service processes are used for descaling and cleaning, then each process can be optimized independently, but the sequence control complexity increases and operator confusion risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to manage various service operations (descaling, cleaning, rinsing) through a single unified control mechanism. This universal controller replaces multiple separate sequence controls, reducing operator confusion while maintaining the ability to optimize each service process independently through programmable parameters and standardized operational sequences.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cleaning cycles are implemented, then comprehensive maintenance is achieved, but the risk of confusion between different cleaning cycles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive maintenance process into distinct, sequentially executed phases (descaling phase, cleaning phase, rinsing phase) within a single unified service process. Each phase is clearly defined and controlled by the control unit, ensuring complete maintenance coverage while providing operational clarity to the user through structured segmentation of the overall service operation.
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
This approach simplifies the execution and control of service processes, reduces operational time, and ensures that both descaling and cleaning are performed efficiently and consistently, maintaining the coffee machine's functionality without requiring extensive operator involvement.
Implementation Method 1
When water is heated, the minerals it contains, including lime, precipitate at temperatures above around 60°C. They are deposited on the surfaces that come into contact with the hot water.
Implementation Method 2
the lines and components that come into contact with hot water are charged with an active substance that chemically dissolves calcification, hereinafter referred to as a decalcification agent or descaler. The descaler acts during a contact time that is suitably chosen to dissolve the deposits
Implementation Method 3
Another problem that occurs when preparing hot drinks is deposits of greasy or oily components from the hot drink ingredient on the components or inside surfaces of the device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of implementing maintenance or servicing operations in an apparatus for making hot beverages, and to an apparatus suitable for implementing the method, in particular in a fully automatic coffee machine. The hot-beverage maker comprises a water tank (8), a heating chamber (23) for heating up water, a chamber (51) for making the hot beverage by adding a hot-beverage ingredient (71), and a hot-beverage outlet (62). Operation of the apparatus gives rise to a first instance where servicing is required, for example a first instance where cleaning is required, and to a second instance where servicing is required, for example an instance where descaling is required or a second instance where cleaning is required. At least one combined servicing operation (112, 134) is executed, preferably fully automatically, in that operations (128, 130) for meeting the first and the second servicing requirements are combined, at least in part, in terms of materials used and/or timing.