External Suction Duct Layout for Cleanable Beverage Mixers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices face difficulties in the installation and maintenance of the extraction duct, leading to clogging, leakage, and increased risk of malfunctions due to its complex integration with the housing, which complicates cleaning and replacement, affecting the device's operation and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
The extraction duct is relocated outside the service area and housed separately, allowing for easy access and maintenance, with a straight-line configuration and optional bends, and can be opened for thorough cleaning, reducing the risk of blockages and leaks by eliminating internal housing apertures and using a split design with a hinged or removable section for simplified installation and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the extraction duct is integrated inside the housing, then the device structure is compact, but the extraction duct becomes difficult to install, clean, and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction duct is segmented into multiple parts: a first extraction duct portion extending from the mixing chamber, a second extraction duct portion extending from the first portion, and a connection element joining them. This segmentation allows the duct to be disassembled for easy cleaning and maintenance while maintaining a compact integrated appearance during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction duct incorporates a flexible section that allows the duct to be dynamically positioned and routed through the housing during installation, then fixed in place during operation. This flexibility enables easy installation and maintenance while achieving a compact integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extraction duct winds through the housing interior, then it connects all components, but removal and fitting become complicated time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction duct is divided into modular sections (first portion, second portion, connection element) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This modular design allows quick installation and removal without the need to unwind or reconfigure a single long duct, significantly reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction duct is pre-configured with connection elements and routing paths during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the duct to be quickly installed by simply connecting pre-positioned sections, eliminating the need for complex on-site routing and configuration.
3Reliability
If the extraction duct extends through the housing, then vapour and powder particles are extracted, but the duct becomes soiled and blocked quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction duct is segmented into cleanable sections with connection elements that provide access points for cleaning. This segmentation allows the duct to be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned to remove accumulated soiling, preventing blockages while maintaining effective extraction function.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning tool or fluid is introduced as an intermediary to remove soiling from the extraction duct. The segmented design with connection elements allows this cleaning intermediary to access and remove accumulated powder particles and residues, preventing blockages.
4Ease of operation
If the housing has openings for the extraction duct, then the duct can be installed, but the risk of pollution and moisture entering the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal or grommet is introduced as an intermediary between the extraction duct and the housing opening. This seal allows the duct to pass through the housing for accessibility while preventing pollution and moisture from entering the housing interior, thus protecting internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sealing membrane or grommet is used around the extraction duct where it passes through the housing. This flexible seal accommodates the duct while maintaining the housing's protective barrier against pollution and moisture ingress.
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 simplifies the installation and maintenance of the extraction duct, reducing the risk of malfunctions and ensuring better hygiene and operational reliability by allowing for frequent cleaning and replacement, preventing blockages and leaks, and maintaining the device's compact design.
Implementation Method 1
said extraction is effected by means of an extraction duct
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Preparing device (1) for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber (11) for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet (38) into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet (21) into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood (4) placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with suction means, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapour and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct (3) and the extractor hood; a first housing (26) accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing, as well as an extraction duct.