Milk module for generating milk foam or milk beverages, preferably for installing into a coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with integrated milk foam production modules face challenges in space constraints, particularly in small designs, where incorporating a cleaning device is difficult due to limited space, and require additional space for a separate cleaning container.
Innovation Solution
Designing a milk module as an independent unit with a plug-in coupling that can be easily installed in a coffee machine, allowing the milk container to be replaced by a cleaning container, utilizing a pivoting suction hose for easy exchange and a cleaning container with a water supply channel for precise cleaning agent dosage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning device is integrated into a small coffee machine, then cleaning function is provided, but space constraints make it difficult to accommodate
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hose is designed to serve multiple functions: it connects the milk container during normal operation and connects the cleaning container during cleaning cycles. This multi-functionality allows the cleaning device to be integrated into the existing milk preparation space without requiring additional dedicated space for cleaning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning container utilizes the existing refrigeration unit and suction hose infrastructure already present in the coffee machine. By leveraging existing components for cleaning purposes, the system avoids requiring separate dedicated space for cleaning functions, effectively making the existing infrastructure serve itself for both milk preparation and cleaning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate cleaning container is added to the coffee machine, then cleaning capability is enhanced, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning container is designed to occupy the same physical space as the milk container within the refrigeration unit. The suction hose serves both containers interchangeably, merging the cleaning function with the existing milk storage and delivery infrastructure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated space for cleaning components.
3Ease of operation
If the suction hose is made pivotable and freely hanging, then ease of container exchange is improved, but complexity of hose mounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hose is designed with pivotable connections and free-hanging sections that allow it to dynamically adapt its position during container exchange operations. The hose can pivot at mounting points and hang freely to accommodate the removal and insertion of different containers without requiring complex mechanical guidance systems or rigid mounting structures.
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 achieves significant space savings by integrating the cleaning function within the existing milk container space, enabling efficient and easy handling of cleaning without additional space requirements, thus simplifying the coffee machine's design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration unit (4) for accommodating a milk container (6)
Implementation Method 2
a pump, a hose line extending from the milk container, into which a cleaning agent can be fed
Implementation Method 3
Frothed milk can also be produced by an emulsifying device by mixing heated water vapor through a line and air through an air line into this milk from the pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A milk module (2) for generating milk foam or milk beverages, preferably for installing into a coffee machine, is designed as an independent unit. The milk module (2) comprises a cooling chamber (5) which is connected to a cooling assembly for receiving a milk container (6), a conveyor pump (42), a device for generating the steam, a device (24) for heating milk or for generating the milk foam, and a connection means. The heated milk or the generated milk foam can be conveyed through a discharge line to the coffee outlet in the coffee machine by the connection means. In a very advantageous manner, a cleaning container (14) with a cleaning agent can be positioned into the cooling chamber (5) instead of the milk container (6). For this purpose, a suction tube is provided which is mounted in the region of the refrigerated box (4) in a pivotal manner forwards or rearwards, which hangs freely at the bottom, and which in the forwards-pivoted position can be contactlessly inserted into the milk container (6) or the cleaning container (14) from the top when same is installed.