Frothing module for aircraft hot beverage maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frothing modules in hot beverage makers, especially those in aircraft, face challenges in efficiently cleaning the frothing wand to prevent bacterial growth, which requires manual effort and time.
Innovation Solution
A frothing module with a reservoir and a frother that includes a suction tube, steam inlet, aerator, and outlet, where the reservoir has apertures for steam cleaning of the frother, particularly the suction tube, to automate the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning of the frothing wand is used, then the device structure remains simple, but cleaning efficiency is low and requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The frothing module enables self-cleaning through automated steam injection. The system uses its own steam generation capability to clean the suction tube and aerator components automatically after use, eliminating the need for manual cleaning while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by injecting steam into the suction tube and aerator immediately after the frothing process completes. This automated preliminary cleaning prevents residue buildup and bacterial growth before manual intervention is needed
2Loss of time
If the frothing wand is cleaned manually, then the device structure remains simple, but time consumption for cleaning is high
Solution Approach 1:
The frothing module automatically cleans itself through steam injection into the suction tube and aerator, eliminating the need for cabin crew to manually clean these components. This significantly reduces cleaning time while the added complexity is minimal, involving only steam delivery pathways and control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs cleaning action immediately after frothing completes, utilizing the residual steam generation capability. This preliminary cleaning action eliminates the need for separate manual cleaning steps, reducing overall time loss
3Object-affected harmful factors
If steam cleaning is performed externally, then cleaning effectiveness is good, but users are exposed to hot steam which is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the cleaning function from the external environment and performs it internally within the frothing module. Steam is injected directly into the suction tube and aerator through dedicated steam inlets, containing the hot steam within the device structure and preventing user exposure while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces steam as an intermediary cleaning agent that is delivered through controlled pathways (steam inlets) to the components needing cleaning. This intermediary approach allows effective cleaning of internal surfaces without requiring direct user contact with hot steam
4Reliability
If the suction tube is not cleaned regularly, then the device structure remains simple, but bacterial growth occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The frothing module automatically cleans the suction tube and aerator using steam injection after each use, ensuring consistent hygiene without requiring complex external cleaning systems. This self-service mechanism reliably prevents bacterial growth while adding minimal complexity to the device
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning of the suction tube and aerator immediately after frothing, preventing residue accumulation and bacterial growth before they can become problematic. This preliminary action ensures reliable hygiene maintenance
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 frothing module enables automated steam cleaning of the frother, reducing manual cleaning time and effort, while protecting users from steam and allowing for convenient disposal of cleaning residue.
Implementation Method 1
The suction tube may be arranged to draw a liquid up through the suction tube as a result of a pressure differential created when steam is received by the steam inlet
Implementation Method 2
an aerator arranged to receive liquid via the suction tube and steam via the steam inlet, and inject the steam into the liquid to make a froth
Implementation Method 3
the reservoir includes at least one aperture arranged to receive steam for cleaning external surfaces of the suction tube from a respective cleaning nozzle of the hot beverage maker
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
A frothing module (1100) for a hot beverage maker (1000) including: a reservoir (1110) with a bottom portion (1111) for storing a liquid; and a frother (1120). The frother has a suction tube (1121) arranged within the reservoir (1110), extending from a top portion (1112) into the bottom portion (1111) of the reservoir (1110) to draw liquid from the bottom portion (1111). The frother (1120) also has: a steam inlet to connect to and receive steam from the hot beverage maker (1000); an aerator to receive liquid from the suction tube (1121) and steam from the steam inlet to make a froth; and an outlet to discharge the froth. The reservoir (1110) includes at least one aperture (1114) to receive steam for cleaning external surfaces of the suction tube (1121).