Fluid Dispensing Apparatus Automatic Self-Cleaning via Negative Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage preparing machines lack automatic cleaning and disinfection capabilities, requiring significant labor and time to manually clean and disinfect multiple connectors, tubes, and components, which can lead to bacterial growth and toxin generation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid material dispensing apparatus equipped with automatic self-cleaning and self-disinfection capabilities, featuring a dual-mode fluid connector that allows for the circulation of cleaning or disinfectant solutions through the system, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning and disinfection of connectors and tubes is performed, then the system can be maintained hygienic, but significant labor time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-cleaning and self-disinfection through integrated cleaning pumps, spray nozzles, and circulation systems that automatically clean connectors and tubes without manual intervention, making the system serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary disinfection by circulating disinfectant solutions through the fluid paths before normal operation begins, preventing bacterial growth in advance rather than cleaning after contamination occurs
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple connectors are manually removed and cleaned one by one, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple cleaning operations into a single integrated automatic cleaning cycle that simultaneously cleans multiple connectors and tubes through unified spray nozzles and circulation paths, reducing process complexity while maintaining thoroughness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles with cleaning pumps and spray nozzles to automatically deliver cleaning solutions through the fluid paths, eliminating manual disassembly and cleaning operations
3Productivity
If connectors remain connected during cleaning, then continuous operation is maintained, but cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressurized spray nozzles and circulation pumps to deliver cleaning solutions through the connected connectors and tubes, achieving effective cleaning while maintaining continuous connection and operational readiness
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
The apparatus significantly reduces labor time and prevents bacterial growth by automating the cleaning and disinfection processes, ensuring the system remains hygienic and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing operation of the pump to form a negative pressure in the detergent transmission pipe, so that the cleaning solution in the fluid diverter is sucked into the fluid connector through the detergent transmission pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid material dispensing apparatus capable of conducting an automatic self-cleaning operation includes: guiding a cleaning solution to flow into a fluid diverter; activate a pump to push residual fluid material in a material transmission pipe forward, so that the residual fluid material is discharged through an outlet connector; and utilizing operation of the pump to form a negative pressure in a detergent transmission pipe, so that the cleaning solution in the fluid diverter is sucked into a fluid connector through the detergent transmission pipe, and then flows into the material transmission pipe through the fluid connector.