Flavoring Dispensing Lines With Automated Leak-Safe Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aroma substance dispensing devices require manual and often irregular cleaning, which is costly and prone to operating errors, due to the need for manual removal and reconnection of suction hoses and lack of automation in the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates connecting pieces with check valves and self-closing quick-release couplings on suction lines, allowing for easy detachment and reconnection without fluid leakage, and an automated cleaning system using a cleaning agent supply line and peristaltic pumps for sequential cleaning and rinsing, ensuring thorough and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning is used for aroma substance dispensing devices, then operational flexibility is maintained, but cleaning regularity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service cleaning by automatically connecting cleaning hoses to cleaning outlets through check valves and quick-release couplings, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the cleaning process while ensuring regular maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
Check valves act as intermediaries between the aroma substance lines and cleaning lines, automatically directing fluid flow to the appropriate path and enabling reliable automated cleaning without manual operation
2Reliability
If suction hoses are permanently connected to aroma containers, then connection reliability is improved, but cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operational mode (aroma substance flow) and cleaning mode (cleaning solution flow) using check valves and quick-release couplings, allowing the connection to serve dual purposes without compromising reliability or accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into modular components (quick-release couplings, check valves, separate cleaning outlets) that can be independently activated for cleaning while maintaining the primary aroma substance delivery function
3Ease of operation
If quick-release couplings are used for suction hoses, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but fluid leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Check valves serve as intermediaries between the quick-release couplings and the fluid lines, automatically closing to prevent leakage when cleaning hoses are disconnected while allowing free flow during cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The check valves provide preliminary prevention against fluid leakage by automatically closing before any leakage can occur when quick-release couplings are disconnected, eliminating the harmful effect before it manifests
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 solution enables simplified and automated regular cleaning of aroma substance dispensing devices, reducing operational errors and costs by preventing fluid leakage and ensuring complete cleaning cycles through controlled pumping and rinsing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The pumps are conveniently designed as hose pumps. Hose pumps are also frequently referred to as peristaltic pumps.
Implementation Method 2
due to the spring force with which a closing element of the check valves is held in the closed position, prevent cleaning agent solution from leaking out
Implementation Method 3
a valve integrated into the coupling closes when the coupling is removed from its counterpart, thus preventing fluid from dripping out of the suction line
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
Device (10) for dispensing liquid flavoring additives during the preparation of flavored beverages, in particular coffee-, tea- and/or milk-based beverages, comprising a receiving chamber (11) for receiving several flavoring containers (15a - 15f), several pumps (12a - 12f) each assigned to one of the flavoring containers (15a - 15f), which can each be connected to the respective flavoring container (15a - 15f) via a flexible suction line (14a - 14f), and at least one flavoring line (13) leading from the pumps (12a - 12f) to a beverage dispensing device, wherein the suction lines (14a - 14f) each have a connector (40) at their end to be connected to the flavoring container (15a - 15f), and the device (10) comprises a connection device (16) which has corresponding connectors (18a - 18f) for the has intake lines (14a - 14f),with which the suction lines (14a - 14f) can be connected for cleaning purposes instead of with the respective aroma container (15a - 15f), and the connection device (16) also has a connection (19) for a cleaning agent supply line (19') connected to the connection counterparts (18a - 18f), wherein check valves (17a - 17f) are arranged between the cleaning agent supply line (19') and the connection counterparts (18a - 18f).