Dual-Mode Fluid Connector for Beverage Line Cleaning Switchovers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage preparing machines lack automatic cleaning functionality, requiring labor-intensive manual removal and reconnection of multiple connectors, which is time-consuming and prone to damage and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode fluid connector with a hollow connecting element, material tube, cleaning tube, and rotatable element that allows for easy switching between serve and clean modes, enabling automatic cleaning and disinfection without disconnecting from material containers, using a rotatable element to isolate or connect flow paths for liquid and detergent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connectors are used for transmitting liquid from material containers, then the beverage preparing machine can acquire various materials, but the machine consumes a lot of labor and time for manual cleaning of multiple connectors and tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connectors into a single integrated connector assembly that can be removed as one unit rather than multiple separate connectors. This merging of multiple connection functions into a single removable component significantly reduces the time and labor required for cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to be easily removable and reattachable by the operator without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. This self-service design enables operators to quickly perform cleaning maintenance themselves without needing external assistance or complicated disassembly processes.
2Reliability
If multiple connectors are manually removed one by one for cleaning, then the connectors can be cleaned, but the process is time-consuming and easily makes the surrounding environment dirty
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connectors are merged into a single removable assembly that can be taken out as one piece. This eliminates the need to handle and clean multiple separate connectors individually, reducing both the time required and the risk of contaminating the surrounding environment during the cleaning process.
3Device complexity
If traditional connectors are used, then the structure is simple, but the connectors are prone to being scratched or damaged during manual removal and reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connectors into a single integrated assembly with a unified connection mechanism, the patent reduces the number of times operators need to attach and detach individual connectors. This decreases the cumulative wear and damage risk to the connection surfaces while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
4Ease of operation
If manual cleaning procedures are used, then labor costs are high, but automatic cleaning functionality cannot be implemented with traditional connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The merged connector assembly design enables automatic cleaning by allowing the entire assembly to be removed and placed in an automated cleaning system as a single unit. This integration is essential for implementing automatic cleaning functionality, as it eliminates the need for manual handling of multiple separate connectors.
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, and the block element divides an interior space of the chamber into a first space and a second space; 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.