Method for operating a beverage preparation device, in particular a fully automatic coffee maker with a membrane foam module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation devices, particularly fully automatic coffee machines, face limitations in effectively rinsing and cleaning foam modules, especially regarding foam temperature, consistency, and air content, which can lead to deposits and hygienic issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a porous membrane in a fluid chamber, where a rinsing or cleaning fluid is flowed through the membrane from a first surface to a second surface and drained via a fluid chamber to a fluid outlet, utilizing the same fluid pump used for propellant during normal operation to enhance foam production and prevent deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Venturi nozzle or jet pump is used for foaming, then foam production is achieved, but deposits form and hygiene deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane as the core component of the foaming module. The membrane's porous structure enables foam generation through bubble formation while allowing complete rinsing of the membrane surface, preventing deposit accumulation and maintaining hygiene without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The foaming module is designed to be self-rinsing through its porous membrane structure. During normal operation or cleaning cycles, rinsing fluid naturally flows through the membrane, automatically removing deposits without requiring additional cleaning components or complex procedures
2Ease of operation
If the foam module structure is simplified for ease of cleaning, then hygiene is improved, but foam production capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The porous membrane provides a simple yet versatile structure that can generate various foam properties (temperature, consistency, air content) while maintaining ease of cleaning. The membrane's pore structure and material properties can be adjusted to achieve different foam characteristics without complicating the overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The porous membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates foam with variable properties, allows complete rinsing for hygiene maintenance, and prevents deposit formation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while preserving foam production versatility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rinsing fluid flows through the membrane during operation, then deposit prevention is improved, but additional cleaning infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The porous membrane structure enables self-rinsing functionality. The membrane's inherent porosity allows rinsing fluid to pass through and clean the surface automatically during normal operation or cleaning cycles, eliminating the need for separate cleaning infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The porous membrane structure inherently facilitates rinsing by allowing fluid penetration. This material property enables automatic deposit removal during operation without requiring additional cleaning systems, maintaining simplicity while preventing deposit formation
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 method effectively prevents the formation of deposits and ensures thorough rinsing and cleaning of the foam module, expanding the range of foam properties and maintaining hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
A porous membrane, referred to in the document as a flow divider, is pressurized with compressed air so that, upon exiting the flow divider, the milk in a milk chamber is frothed
Implementation Method 2
A porous membrane, referred to in the document as a flow divider, is pressurized with compressed air so that, upon exiting the flow divider, the milk in a milk chamber is frothed, thus generating milk foam
Implementation Method 3
flowing a rinsing or cleaning fluid through a preferably porous membrane of the foam module from a first membrane surface to a second membrane surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a beverage preparation device (01), in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, with a foam module (13) comprising a rinsing and/or cleaning operation, wherein the rinsing and/or cleaning operation is characterized by the following process steps: - Flowing a rinsing or cleaning fluid through a, preferably porous, membrane (10) of the foam module (13) from a first membrane surface to a second membrane surface of the membrane (10); - Draining the rinsing or cleaning fluid via a fluid chamber (15) of the foam module (13) surrounding the membrane (10) to a fluid outlet (33) of the fluid chamber.