Ice Dispenser Integrated Cleaning Through Shared Discharge Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial ice and water dispensers face challenges with mineral buildup and biofilm formation, requiring regular cleaning and descaling, which can be inefficient due to separate cleaning procedures for the ice storage bin and liquid discharge areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates an ice bin, dispensing tube, and discharge chute, allowing for simultaneous dispensing of ice and liquid, and incorporating a method where the dispensing tube can also introduce cleaning solutions into the ice bin and discharge chute for combined cleaning and sanitizing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cleaning procedures are used for the ice storage bin and liquid discharge areas, then each area can be cleaned thoroughly, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and operationally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning of the ice storage bin and the liquid discharge chute into a single integrated cleaning cycle. The cleaning solution is introduced into the ice bin and automatically flows through the discharge chute, allowing both components to be cleaned simultaneously through one operational step rather than requiring separate manual cleaning procedures for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cleans the ice bin interior surfaces, flushes the discharge chute, and sanitizes both components. This multi-functional approach allows a single cleaning agent to address multiple cleaning needs across different system components, reducing the overall complexity and time of the maintenance process.
2Reliability
If separate cleaning procedures are used for the ice storage bin and liquid discharge areas, then each area can be cleaned thoroughly, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cleaning operations into a single automated process. Instead of requiring operators to manually clean the ice bin and discharge chute separately, the system automatically circulates cleaning solution through both components in one sequence, significantly simplifying the operational procedure while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-cleaning through automated circulation of cleaning solution. The dispensing tube delivers the cleaning solution into the ice bin, and the system's own fluid circulation mechanism automatically transports the solution through the discharge chute and back, enabling the system to clean itself without requiring manual intervention for each component.
3Productivity
If the dispensing tube outlet is positioned within the ice bin, then liquid can be dispensed directly into the ice storage area, but mineral buildup may occur in stagnant water areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous circulation of water through the ice bin and dispensing tube. Water is constantly moved from the ice bin through the dispensing tube and back, preventing stagnation in any area. This continuous flow prevents mineral deposits from accumulating on the dispensing tube outlet and surrounding surfaces, as the constant movement keeps the water dynamic rather than stagnant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic circulation to move water continuously through the ice bin and dispensing components. The water circulation mechanism creates constant fluid motion that prevents mineral precipitation and buildup on surfaces, leveraging hydraulic principles to maintain clean, deposit-free conditions in the dispensing area.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dispensing ice and at least one liquid, and related cleaning processes. In one embodiment, the system comprises an ice bin for storing a quantity of ice particles, a dispensing tube for carrying at least a first liquid, and a discharge chute in communication with a discharge outlet, wherein the discharge chute is disposed upstream of the discharge outlet. An outlet end of the dispensing tube is positioned within a portion of the ice bin at a location aligned above the discharge outlet. The ice particles and the first liquid are dispensed through the discharge outlet separately or at the same time.