Dual-Mode Fluid Connector for Automatic Beverage Line Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage preparing machines lack an automatic cleaning functionality, requiring labor-intensive manual removal and reconnection of multiple connectors, which is time-consuming and prone to damage, and often results in a dirty environment and bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode fluid connector with a hollow connecting element, a material tube, a cleaning tube, and a rotatable element that allows switching between serve and clean modes, enabling automatic cleaning and disinfection without disconnecting from material containers, using a sealing mechanism to isolate liquid flow during serving and allow detergent flow during cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional connectors are used for transmitting liquid from material containers to tubes, then the beverage preparing machine can acquire various materials, but the machine lacks automatic cleaning functionality and requires labor-intensive manual removal and reconnection of connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a rotatable element that can switch between two positions: a first position for serving mode where liquid flows from material container to tube, and a second position for cleaning mode where liquid flows from cleaning tube to tube. This dynamic switching mechanism enables automatic cleaning functionality without manual disconnection, resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a material transmission connector during serving mode and a cleaning fluid transmission connector during cleaning mode. The rotatable element allows the same connector to accommodate both material tubes and cleaning tubes, eliminating the need for separate connectors for different functions
2Productivity
If multiple connectors are manually removed and reconnected during cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the process consumes a lot of labor time and easily makes the surrounding environment dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable element enables rapid switching between serving and cleaning modes without time-consuming manual disconnection and reconnection. The connector remains attached to the material container while the rotatable element simply needs to be rotated to switch positions, dramatically reducing the time required for cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the cleaning process to be performed while the connector remains in place, eliminating the need for manual removal and reconnection operations. The system serves itself by maintaining connection integrity throughout the cleaning cycle
3Productivity
If connectors are manually handled during cleaning, then cleaning access is achieved, but connectors are easily scratched or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable element provides a mechanism to switch cleaning and serving functions without physical removal of the connector from the material container. This dynamic switching preserves connector integrity by eliminating manual handling that causes scratches and damage
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs its own cleaning function while remaining connected to the material container, eliminating the need for manual removal that exposes the connector to damage. The cleaning tube can access the connector internally without requiring external manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode fluid connector includes: a hollow connecting element, comprising a chamber inside the hollow connecting element, wherein a protuberant block element is arranged on an inner surface of the chamber; a material tube, positioned on the hollow connecting element and connected through the chamber; a cleaning tube, positioned on the hollow connecting element and connected through the chamber; a head portion, positioned on one terminal of the hollow connecting element and having a connecting opening, wherein the connecting opening can be detachably connected to a material container; a rear portion, positioned on another terminal of the hollow connecting element and having a through hole; and a rod, inserted into the chamber via the through hole and including a sealing portion; wherein after the sealing portion detaches from the block element for a predetermined distance, an output terminal of the outlet check valve becomes a close status.