Concentric Beverage Dispenser Outlet for Syrup Hygiene and Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic beverage dispensers face challenges in maintaining hygienic conditions and effective cleaning, particularly with syrup-based flavorings that crystallize and form drops at the outlet, leading to contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

The output unit features concentric inner and outer outlets, where the outer outlet forms a fluid sheath around the inner outlet, enabling thorough mixing and easy cleaning by using a rinsing fluid that surrounds the inner outlet, with options for separate or shared rinsing lines and the use of compressed air to prevent dripping and residue formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If syrup-based flavorings are dispensed through a single outlet, then the dispensing function is simple, but crystallization and drop formation occur at the outlet leading to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygienic conditionsVSAvoidoutlet structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet is segmented into an inner outlet for syrup dispensing and an outer outlet for rinsing fluid, allowing separate functions to be performed through distinct pathways. This segmentation prevents contamination by enabling dedicated cleaning of the syrup outlet without interfering with the dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner outlet is nested within the outer outlet structure, with the inner outlet positioned centrally and the outer outlet surrounding it. This nested configuration allows the rinsing fluid from the outer outlet to flow around and clean the inner outlet effectively, while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If manual cleaning of syrup outlets is performed, then crystallization can be removed, but the cleaning process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cleaning action by automatically rinsing the inner outlet with cleaning fluid through the outer outlet immediately after syrup dispensing. This preliminary action prevents crystallization buildup before it becomes a problem, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet structure is designed to be self-cleaning, where the outer outlet automatically delivers rinsing fluid to clean the inner outlet without external intervention. This self-service mechanism continuously maintains hygiene without requiring manual cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the outlet structure is modified to enable cleaning, then hygienic conditions are maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecleanabilityVSAvoidoutlet assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer outlet serves multiple functions: it dispenses rinsing fluid during cleaning operations and can also function as a secondary dispensing outlet. This multi-functionality justifies the additional structural element by providing both cleaning capability and enhanced dispensing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning function is merged with the existing outlet structure by integrating the outer outlet around the inner outlet, rather than adding a completely separate cleaning mechanism. This merging approach enables cleaning capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design ensures hygienic conditions by preventing crystallization and drop formation, allowing for efficient and automatic cleaning of the dispensing system, maintaining beverage quality and preventing contamination.

Implementation Method 1

the outer outlet is designed in such a way as an annular nozzle directed in the outlet direction that a fluid that is dispensed through the outer outlet encloses the inner outlet in the form of a concentric fluid sheath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentric fluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

a fluid that is dispensed through the outer outlet encloses the inner outlet in the form of a concentric fluid sheath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid sheath enclosure:

Implementation Method 3

with options for separate or shared rinsing lines and the use of compressed air to prevent dripping and residue formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air flow:

Data Source

PatentUS9617138B2Output unit for a beverage dispenser, beverage dispenser having such an output unit and method for operating such a beverage dispenser

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 SCHAERER AG

AI summary

An output unit for a beverage dispenser outputs hot beverages and/or ingredients for beverages to a container standing below the output unit. The output unit has one or more outlet assemblies for beverages and/or ingredients. Improved cleaning and/or mixing is achieved in that each of the outlet assemblies has a central inner outlet and an outer outlet which concentrically encloses the inner outlet, and in that the outer outlet is designed as a ring nozzle directed in the outlet direction so that a fluid which is output through the outer outlet encloses the inner outlet in the form of a concentric liquid sheath.