Dispensing nozzle for a milk module for producing hot or cold, foamed or non-foamed milk
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Solution Overview
Problem
In table-top machines for producing milk-based beverages, the milk dispensing nozzle is typically not involved in the washing process, requiring manual cleaning and potentially leading to bacterial proliferation due to incomplete sanitation.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing nozzle design that integrates with the milk module's washing circuit, allowing hot or cold, foamed or non-foamed milk production, and includes a drainage line that ensures all components coming into contact with milk are washed efficiently, including the dispensing nozzle, by routing washing liquid and detergent mixture away from the nozzle during rinsing and washing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drainage line inlet is positioned upstream of the dispensing nozzle outlet, then the washing liquid can flow through the entire milk line including the nozzle, but the washing liquid may not effectively reach and clean the nozzle tip area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional drainage line configuration by positioning the inlet downstream of the nozzle outlet rather than upstream. This inversion allows washing liquid to be forced through the entire milk line including the nozzle tip by pressure differential, ensuring complete coverage without manual intervention. The drainage line inlet is specifically positioned to receive washing liquid after it has traversed the full length of the milk line, guaranteeing that even the hardest-to-reach areas are cleaned.
2Productivity
If the drainage line is positioned at a distance from the dispensing nozzle, then the washing circuit can drain efficiently, but the dispensing nozzle is excluded from the washing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drainage line serve multiple functions: it maintains its primary role in efficient drainage while simultaneously ensuring the dispensing nozzle is included in the washing process. The drainage line is configured to extend along the milk line and position its inlet downstream of the nozzle outlet, allowing it to function both as a drainage conduit and as a washing liquid delivery path that reaches all components including the nozzle.
3Reliability
If the drainage line inlet is positioned downstream of the dispensing nozzle outlet, then complete coverage of the milk line is achieved, but the drainage efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the washing liquid itself as an intermediary to achieve complete washing coverage. By positioning the drainage line inlet downstream of the nozzle outlet, the washing liquid acts as a mediator that is forced through the entire milk line by pressure differential, ensuring all components are cleaned. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve complete coverage without complex additional mechanisms.
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 enhances the efficiency of washing the dispensing nozzle and upstream components, preventing bacterial proliferation by ensuring thorough sanitation without manual intervention, thus improving the overall hygiene and operational efficiency of the milk module.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage line (28) having a first end and a second end, the drainage line being designed to convey a waste water flow into a waste container (24)... the drainage line (28) is fluidically connected to the milk dispensing nozzle (16) upstream of the outlet (39) thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A milk module for producing hot or cold, foamed or non-foamed milk, and integrable in a machine for producing milk-based beverages. The milk module comprises a supply pump: a suction line extending from a fluid inlet to a suction side of the supply pump: a delivery line extending from a delivery side of the supply pump to a dispensing nozzle with an inlet portion and a dispensing outlet: an electronic control unit configured to operate the milk module in a production mode, in which the suction line is supplied with milk, and in a washing mode, in which the suction line is supplied with either water or water and detergent: and a drainage line to drain washing water into a waste container during operation in the washing mode. The drainage line extends from the dispensing nozzle to the waste container and comprises a suction pump.