Cold Plasma Sanitization for Automated Dispensing Machines

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing systems require frequent reloading of disinfecting and cleaning liquids for sanitization, complicating maintenance and hindering automation.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a sanitizing system that generates ozone-containing water through cold plasma discharge, eliminating the need for consumable disinfectants by modifying regular water to acquire antimicrobial properties, which is then circulated through the dispensing system for sanitization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional disinfecting liquids are used for sanitization, then cleaning and disinfection can be achieved, but the system requires frequent reloading of consumable liquids which complicates maintenance and hinders automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates its own disinfectant (ozone) on-demand through a plasma generator that converts oxygen from ambient air into ozone, eliminating the need for external consumable disinfectant supplies. The controller automatically manages the plasma generator operation, making the system self-sufficient for sanitization purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually refilling liquid disinfectant reservoirs with an electrochemical plasma generation system. The plasma generator uses electrical energy to create ozone gas, which is then dissolved in water to create sanitizing solution, substituting manual replenishment with automated electrochemical generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional disinfecting liquids are used for sanitization, then cleaning and disinfection can be achieved, but the need for reloading liquids hinders automation of sanitizing processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesanitization effectivenessVSAvoidautomation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates its own disinfectant (ozone) on-demand through a plasma generator that converts oxygen from ambient air into ozone, eliminating the need for external consumable disinfectant supplies. The controller automatically manages the plasma generator operation, making the system self-sufficient for sanitization purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually refilling liquid disinfectant reservoirs with an electrochemical plasma generation system. The plasma generator uses electrical energy to create ozone gas, which is then dissolved in water to create sanitizing solution, substituting manual replenishment with automated electrochemical generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If ozone is generated through cold plasma discharge, then consumable disinfectants are eliminated and automation is enabled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system controls the plasma generation process by adjusting electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) to optimize ozone production efficiency. The controller manages the plasma generator to produce sufficient ozone for sanitization while minimizing excessive energy consumption through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system generates ozone continuously or periodically as needed for sanitization cycles, rather than requiring storage of large quantities of pre-prepared disinfectant. This continuous on-demand generation ensures automation capability while managing energy consumption through controlled operation cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 automated, efficient sanitization of dispensing systems without the need for reloading disinfectants, ensuring continuous operation and improved hygiene by using ozone-saturated water to sanitize internal components.

Implementation Method 1

The discharge cell is configured to initiate a cold plasma discharge in an air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCold plasma discharge: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

expose water in the tank to the air flow for a time sufficient to provide dissolution of ozone from the air flow into the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9107538B2Cold plasma sanitation for a dispensing machine

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 PEPSICO INC

AI summary

An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component having an inner surface. The first valve is opened to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode. The first valve is closed when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit having a discharge cell configured to initiate a cold plasma discharge in an air flow. A tank may be configured to receive the air flow from the discharge cell of the processing unit and expose water in the tank to the air flow for a time sufficient to provide dissolution of ozone from the air flow into the water and form ozone-containing water.