Milk Supply Line Steam Cleaning for Coffee Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk supply devices face challenges in thoroughly cleaning the supply line due to the lack of natural steam penetration, leading to inadequate cleaning and potential bacterial growth, with existing methods like using cleaning liquids or hot water being complicated or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A device that utilizes a hot water and/or steam outlet, already present for milk heating, to facilitate effective cleaning of the supply line by simply redirecting the inlet end of the supply line to the outlet, with measures to ensure residual water is removed, and a connecting device for easy reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is used to clean the frothing device, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the supply line cannot be cleaned because there is no natural way for steam into the supply line
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to force steam into the supply line through its normal inlet, the patent reverses the approach by connecting the supply line inlet to the steam outlet. This allows steam to flow naturally through the supply line from the outlet end, achieving thorough cleaning without requiring complex modifications to the supply line structure.
2Reliability
If cleaning liquid is used to clean the supply line, then cleaning is possible, but the procedure becomes complicated and may not achieve desired results
Solution Approach 1:
The steam outlet, originally designed solely for dispensing steam to users, is given a dual function by enabling it to serve as a cleaning inlet for the supply line. This eliminates the need for separate cleaning systems or complex procedures, as the existing steam generation infrastructure is utilized for both beverage preparation and cleaning purposes.
3Reliability
If hot water is used to clean the supply line, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but handling becomes difficult and hot water is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own steam generation capability to perform cleaning, eliminating the need for external hot water sources. The steam generator automatically provides the necessary thermal energy for cleaning, making the process as convenient as operating the device itself, without requiring users to handle hot water manually or source it separately.
4Reliability
If chemical cleaning agents are used, then cleaning power is enhanced, but complicated rinsing is required to remove residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the cleaning medium from chemical solutions to thermal energy (steam). By using steam at elevated temperatures, the cleaning achieves sufficient sanitization power without introducing chemical residues that would require extensive rinsing. The phase change of steam to condensate provides both mechanical flushing and thermal disinfection.
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 solution provides a straightforward and effective cleaning method for the supply line, preventing bacterial growth and ensuring thoroughness, particularly suitable for coffee machines, where the hot water or steam outlet is integrated, allowing for easy maintenance and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The use of hot water and/or steam, which are provided for conveying or heating the milk anyhow, allows an effective cleaning of the supply line
Implementation Method 2
The use of hot water and/or steam, which are provided for conveying or heating the milk anyhow, allows an effective cleaning of the supply line
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying milk from a storage tank to a dispensing element, having a supply line with an inlet end which is detachably connected to the storage tank, to improve the cleaning of such a device. A cleaning device is provided for the supply line, the cleaning device containing a hot water and/or water vapor outlet having a connection device for the detachable connection of the inlet end of the supply line.