Milk Module Drainage Line Design for Automated Nozzle Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk modules in beverage production machines do not effectively wash the components that come into contact with milk, leading to bacterial proliferation and requiring manual cleaning of the dispensing nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A milk module with an integrated washing circuit that includes a drainage line and pump to ensure all components, including the dispensing nozzle, are washed automatically, preventing water from reaching the nozzle and allowing for thorough cleaning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the milk dispensing nozzle is kept stationary in the beverage dispensing compartment, then the machine structure is simplified, but the washing liquid cannot reach the nozzle and manual cleaning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The milk dispensing nozzle is made movable between a dispensing position (in the beverage dispensing compartment) and a washing position (in the washing chamber). This dynamic repositioning allows the nozzle to be accessed by washing liquid while maintaining simplified structure during operation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning accessibility
2Device complexity
If the drainage line is positioned upstream of the dispensing nozzle, then water flow is simplified, but the dispensing nozzle is excluded from the washing process
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the drainage line inlet to the washing chamber and positioning it to receive washing liquid downstream of the nozzle, the system ensures that all milk-contact surfaces including the nozzle are flushed. The drainage line dynamically adapts its position to capture washing liquid at the optimal point, ensuring complete hygiene coverage while maintaining circuit simplicity
3Extent of automation
If manual cleaning intervention is required, then automation is reduced, but cleaning thoroughness can be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to wash itself automatically by moving the nozzle to the washing chamber where washing liquid flows through all milk-contact surfaces including the nozzle interior. The drainage line positioned in the washing chamber captures and removes washing liquid efficiently, enabling complete automated cleaning without manual intervention while ensuring thorough hygiene
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
The solution ensures efficient washing of all milk module components, preventing bacterial growth and eliminating the need for manual cleaning of the dispensing nozzle, thereby improving hygiene and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for sucking fresh milk from a milk container
Implementation Method 2
a heating device and a dispensing nozzle, through which hot or cold, foamed or non-foamed milk is delivered
Implementation Method 3
a foaming device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A milk module (3) for producing hot or cold, foamed or non-foamed milk, and integrable in a machine (1) for producing milk-based beverages. The milk module (3) comprises a supply pump (10); a suction line (9) extending from a fluid inlet to a suction side of the supply pump (10); a delivery line (15) extending from a delivery side of the supply pump (10) to a dispensing nozzle (16) with an inlet portion (34A, 34B) and a dispensing outlet (39); an electronic control unit (32) configured to operate the milk module (3) in a production mode, in which the suction line (9) is supplied with milk, and in a washing mode, in which the suction line (9) is supplied with either water or water and detergent; and a drainage line (28) to drain washing water into a waste container (24) during operation in the washing mode. The drainage line (28) extends from the dispensing nozzle (16) to the waste container (24) and comprises a suction pump (29). The electronic control unit (32) is configured to operate the suction pump (29) during at least part of the washing mode to cause the washing water that has reached the dispensing nozzle (16) to flow into the drainage line (28) before reaching the dispensing outlet (39) of the dispensing nozzle (16).