Milk dispensing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk frothing and dispensing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining temperature control and achieving high-quality frothed milk, particularly with smaller cross-section outlet lines which can lead to pressure drops and sensitivity issues with variable pump parameters, and complexity in cleaning due to longitudinal bars.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a dual longitudinal line section design with a smaller cross-section upstream for cold milk foam creation and a larger cross-section downstream, combined with a flow-through heating device and electronic control for precise temperature regulation, using a variable-speed pump and solenoid valves for steam and air control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a smaller cross-section outlet line is used, then cold milk foam quality is improved, but pressure drops increase and temperature control sensitivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet line is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with smaller cross-section (0.70-1.00 mm diameter, 50-500 mm length) for optimal cold foam creation, and a second section with larger cross-section downstream. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between foam quality and pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the outlet line are given different cross-sectional dimensions tailored to their specific functional requirements. The first section has smaller cross-section optimized for cold foam generation, while the second section has larger cross-section for stable flow and temperature control. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying appropriate geometry to each functional zone.
2Manufacturing precision
If a longitudinal bar is added to reduce inside diameter, then cold milk foam quality is improved, but device complexity and cleaning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal bar element is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a bar to reduce the effective diameter, the patent employs a simplified tubular outlet line with appropriately selected wall thickness and overall diameter to achieve the desired flow characteristics and foam quality without additional internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than reducing the inside diameter through a longitudinal bar obstruction, the patent inverts the approach by selecting appropriate outer dimensions and wall thickness of a smooth tubular structure to achieve the desired effective flow diameter. This eliminates the cleaning complexity while maintaining foam quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable-speed pump is used for temperature control, then temperature regulation flexibility is improved, but control sensitivity to parameter variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensing and electronic control that monitors the actual milk temperature and adjusts the pump speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for the sensitivity to parameter variations by continuously optimizing pump operation to maintain the desired temperature, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variable pump speed as a controllable parameter to regulate temperature, with the pump speed being adjusted based on the desired temperature and actual flow conditions. The dual outlet line configuration provides a stable flow baseline that reduces sensitivity to pump parameter variations, allowing effective temperature control through parameter adjustment.
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 design ensures accurate temperature control and high-quality frothed milk dispensing, both cold and hot, by optimizing flow cross-sections and lengths, reducing pressure drops, and simplifying cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (11) having an inlet side and a delivery side, the pump being driven by a motor (12), with the inlet side being hydraulically connected to a suction line to suck in milk
Implementation Method 2
a flow-through heating device (13) having a first flow inlet with the fluid pushed by the pump flowing therethrough, and a flow outlet
Implementation Method 3
a steam line (14) oriented transverse to the outlet line and opens into the outlet line through an inlet of the flow-through heater
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An apparatus for preparing and dispensing cold and hot frothed milk, which comprises an outlet line connected to the delivery side of a pump, such line comprising a first longitudinal line section whose cross section diameter ranges from 0.7 to 1 mm and which is directly connected to the delivery side of the pump and, at its opposite end, to an inlet of a flow-through heating device, and a second longitudinal line section having a larger cross section, which is connected to an outlet of the heating device and ends with a dispensing outlet.