Method for cleaning an apparatus for adding beverage supplements for a beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning beverage additive dispensing devices in coffee machines require disassembly and external handling of components, posing risks of scalding and inefficiency, especially in catering establishments.
Innovation Solution
A method where cleaning is performed within the device with hot water flowing through components like hoses and pumps, using a closed system to prevent operator exposure, and allowing automatic operation with adjustable timing and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cleaning is performed by disassembling components and handling them externally, then cleaning access is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to scalding risk from hot water handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-cleaning by circulating hot water through its own components (hoses, pumps, dispensing nozzles) without requiring external manual handling. The cleaning fluid is automatically pumped from the container through the beverage additive delivery system and back to the container, enabling the system to clean itself safely.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning fluid container serves as an intermediary reservoir that receives hot water from the boiler and stores it for circulation through the beverage additive system. This intermediary container allows the system to handle hot water in a controlled manner, reducing direct operator exposure to scalding risks while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning is performed externally after disassembly, then component cleaning is improved, but cleaning time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the beverage additive delivery system itself. The same hoses, pumps, and dispensing mechanisms used for delivering beverage additives are utilized for cleaning, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment and procedures. This integration allows cleaning to be performed in-place without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process operates continuously by circulating hot water through the system components in a closed loop. The pump continuously circulates cleaning fluid from the container through the hoses and dispensing nozzles and back to the container, ensuring thorough cleaning without interruption or requiring multiple discrete steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If hot water is prepared and handled outside the device, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operator safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares and handles hot water internally through its own boiler and circulation system. The boiler integrated into the beverage machine heats water that is then pumped through the cleaning circuit, eliminating the need for external hot water preparation and handling by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning fluid container acts as an intermediary that receives hot water from the boiler and stores it under controlled conditions. This intermediary reservoir allows the system to manage hot water temperature and pressure safely, preventing direct operator contact with scalding water while maintaining the high temperature needed for effective cleaning.
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
Ensures thorough cleaning of beverage additive dispensing components without disassembly, reducing operator risk and improving efficiency by maintaining components in place during the process.
Implementation Method 1
providing hot water from the boiler (4)
Implementation Method 2
activating a pump and pumping the hot water from the container into and through the beverage dispenser
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method for cleaning an apparatus (2) for adding beverage supplements, in particular flavouring agents, in a beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine (1), is distinguished by at least the following method steps: a) providing the beverage machine, in particular a coffee machine (1), the beverage machine, in particular the coffee machine (1), having at least one water pump (3) and a boiler (4), which is connected to the water pump (3) by a line, and having a beverage-dispensing point (5) and also an apparatus (2) for adding beverage supplements into respective beverages prepared by the beverage machine, in particular the coffee machine (1), wherein the apparatus (2) for adding beverage supplements has a housing, in which it is possible to place a plurality of beverage-supplement containers (7a-7f) each filled with a beverage supplement, wherein each beverage-supplement container (7a-7f) is connected via a respective hose (8a-f) and a respective pump (9a-f), directly or via further flow-through elements, to a beverage-dispensing point (5); b) removing the beverage-supplement containers (7a to 7f) from the apparatus (2) for adding beverage supplements; c) inserting a container (15), in particular a container which is open in the upward direction, in place of the beverage-supplement containers (7 to 7f) so that the free ends of the hoses (8a-f) project into the container; d) filling the container (15) with hot water from the boiler (4), via the open valve (13) and the line (14), until the hoses (8a to 8f) are fully or partially submerged in the water in the container (15); and e) starting up the pumps (9a to 9f) and delivering the hot water from the container into, and through, the beverage-dispensing point (5), so that the hot water passes out of the same.