Milk Module With Pivotable Suction Tube for Space-Efficient Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact coffee machines face challenges in integrating a cleaning device due to spatial constraints, making it difficult to effectively clean the milk generation and heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A milk module designed as an independent unit with a cooling chamber, conveyor pump, steam generation device, and connection means for easy installation in a coffee machine, incorporating a cleaning system that allows for the use of a cleaning container with a water supply channel and defined openings for precise cleaning agent metering and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning device is integrated into a compact coffee machine, then cleaning functionality is improved, but spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling chamber is designed to accommodate multiple container types - both milk containers for normal operation and cleaning containers for maintenance. This multi-functional design allows the same spatial location to serve different purposes at different times, adding cleaning capability without requiring separate dedicated space for cleaning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing cooling chamber structure. Instead of adding a separate cleaning device, the invention integrates cleaning functionality into the container replacement mechanism, combining storage, cooling, and cleaning operations within the same spatial framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cleaning container is added to the coffee machine, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container holder and dispensing mechanism serve dual purposes - they handle both milk containers during operation and cleaning containers during maintenance. This universal design avoids the need for separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to be operator-initiated and manually controlled. The user removes the milk container, inserts a cleaning container, and triggers cleaning operations through the existing control interface. This self-service approach avoids complex automated detection and switching mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the suction hose is made pivotable and freely hanging, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hose is designed with pivotable connections and free-hanging sections that allow dynamic adjustment during container changes. This flexibility enables the hose to adapt to different container positions and operator movements, improving ease of operation while using simple mechanical joints rather than complex actuated systems.
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 design minimizes spatial requirements by allowing the milk container to be replaced with a cleaning container, enabling efficient cleaning and precise agent usage, thus reducing the overall space needed for the coffee machine while maintaining easy handling and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling chamber (5), connected to a cooling assembly (4'), for receiving the milk container (6)
Implementation Method 2
a device (24) for generating steam
Implementation Method 3
a device (24) for heating milk or for generating the milk foam
Implementation Method 4
a conveyor pump
Data Source
AI summary
Milk module for generating milk foam or milk beverages, preferably for installing into a coffee machine, is designed as an independent unit. The milk module includes a cooling chamber connected to a cooling assembly for receiving a milk container, a conveyor pump, a steam generating device, a device for heating milk or generating the milk foam, and a connection system. The heated milk or generated milk foam is conveyed through a discharge line to the coffee outlet in the coffee machine by the connection system. A cleaning container with a cleaning agent can be positioned into the cooling chamber instead of the milk container. A suction tube is mounted in the refrigerated box in a pivotal manner, which hangs freely at the bottom, and which in the forwards-pivoted position can be contactlessly inserted into the milk container or the cleaning container from the top when being installed.