Milk Module Nozzle Washing Circuit for Hygienic Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk modules for producing milk-based beverages do not efficiently wash 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 connected to the milk dispensing nozzle upstream, allowing for automatic washing of the nozzle and all components that contact milk, using hot water and detergent to prevent bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the drainage line is positioned upstream at a given distance from the dispensing nozzle, then the washing liquid is prevented from flowing up to the beverage dispensing nozzle, but the end part of the milk line and the beverage dispensing nozzle are never involved in the washing process requiring manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional drainage approach by positioning the drainage line downstream at the outlet of the dispensing nozzle rather than upstream. This inversion allows washing liquid to flow through the entire milk line including the nozzle, enabling automatic cleaning while preventing contaminated liquid from reaching the beverage dispensing area through the screen filter system
2Device complexity
If the drainage line is positioned upstream of the beverage dispensing nozzle, then the washing process is simplified, but the beverage dispensing nozzle requires separate manual removal and washing
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage line is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the waste liquid outlet during beverage dispensing and the washing liquid drainage path during cleaning cycles. The downstream positioning enables the same line to handle both operational and cleaning functions, achieving universal functionality that eliminates the need for separate manual cleaning procedures
3Device complexity
If the beverage dispensing nozzle is stationary in the beverage dispensing compartment, then the structure is simplified, but the washing liquid cannot reach the nozzle requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
A screen filter is introduced as an intermediary component in the beverage dispensing compartment that allows washing liquid to pass through to reach the stationary nozzle while preventing contaminated washing liquid from reaching the beverage dispensing area. This mediator enables automatic cleaning of the stationary nozzle without compromising the simplified structure or beverage safety
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
Ensures thorough washing of all components, including the dispensing nozzle, without manual intervention, thereby preventing bacterial proliferation and improving hygiene and efficiency in milk-based beverage production machines.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device
Implementation Method 2
using hot water and detergent to prevent bacterial growth
Data Source
AI summary
A milk module for producing hot or cold, foamed or non-foamed milk, and integrable in a machine for producing milk-based beverages. The milk module comprises a supply pump; a suction line extending from a fluid inlet to a suction side of the supply pump; a delivery line extending from a delivery side of the supply pump to a dispensing nozzle with an inlet portion and a dispensing outlet; an electronic control unit configured to operate the milk module in a production mode, in which the suction line is supplied with milk, and in a washing mode, in which the suction line is supplied with either water or water and detergent; and a drainage line to drain washing water into a waste container during operation in the washing mode. The drainage line extends from the dispensing nozzle to the waste container and comprises a suction pump.