Milk Foaming Device Return Loop to Prevent Residue Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk foaming devices face issues with milk flow interruption leading to chemical changes, residue formation, and contamination due to the interruption of the milk flow, which results in burn residues and contamination within the device.
Innovation Solution
A milk foaming device design that incorporates a return channel to maintain milk flow circulation after the device is turned off, utilizing a three-way valve to manage the flow and prevent residue formation, and an air duct with a swirling element to enrich the milk with air, ensuring continuous circulation and preventing milk from remaining in the temperature control element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the milk flow is interrupted using a solenoid valve after the temperature control element, then the milk foam can be directed to the outlet, but the milk and/or milk foam remains in the temperature control element leading to chemical changes and residue formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a return channel that enables continuous circulation of milk through the temperature control element even after the foaming process is completed. The three-way valve directs the milk flow to circulate back to the inlet side of the temperature control element, preventing the milk from remaining stagnant and undergoing chemical changes. This continuous circulation eliminates residue formation while maintaining operational productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-way valve acts as an intermediary device that manages the milk flow distribution. It can direct the milk flow either to the outlet head for foaming operation or to the return channel for circulation mode. This intermediary component enables flexible control of the milk flow path, allowing the system to switch between foaming and cleaning/circulation modes without interrupting the overall flow continuity.
2Ease of operation
If the milk flow is interrupted to stop foaming, then the foaming process can be controlled, but the milk flow changes chemically and forms burn residues
Solution Approach 1:
The return channel maintains continuous milk circulation through the temperature control element even when the foaming process is stopped. This continuous flow prevents the milk from overheating and undergoing chemical changes that would compromise milk quality. The system maintains operational control while ensuring reliability by preventing residue formation and contamination.
3Productivity
If a solenoid valve is used to interrupt milk flow, then the milk can be directed to the outlet, but residues are formed that either flush out with milk flow or contaminate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The return channel provides a continuous circulation path that prevents residue formation in the first place by ensuring milk does not remain stagnant in the temperature control element. This eliminates the need for complex residue management systems such as back-pressure valves or additional flushing mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
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
Prevents residue formation and contamination by maintaining milk flow circulation, ensuring the milk foam is not damaged and allowing for easy reactivation of the device without the need for a back-pressure valve, maintaining the quality of the milk foam and extending the device's operational life.
Implementation Method 1
an air duct in the foaming section leads into the milk channel to enrich the milk with air. This air duct can be used, for example, on the basis of the Venturi effect.
Implementation Method 2
the foaming section comprises, when viewed in the milk flow direction, a swirling element downstream of the air duct to swirl the air in the milk
Data Source
AI summary
A milk foaming device comprising a milk channel for conducting milk in a milk flow direction from a milk container to a milk outlet head, a foaming section for converting the milk in the milk channel into a milk foam that contains air, a temperature control element for controlling the temperature of the milk foam from the foaming section, and a return channel that branches off from the milk channel between the temperature control element and the milk outlet head and leads, when viewed in the milk flow direction, to a point in the milk channel upstream of the temperature control element.