Milk Supply Device with Three-Way Junction for Automated Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Milk supply devices in coffee machines require frequent manual intervention for cleaning, which is time-consuming and demands trained personnel, posing challenges in maintaining hygiene and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A milk supply device with a three-way junction and microprocessor control that automates the switching between milk flow and cleaning agent flow states, allowing for various cleaning operation modes without manual intervention, including basic, rapid, and intensive cleaning, using a central control unit and valves to manage fluid connections and cleaning agent distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual cleaning intervention is used for milk supply devices, then cleaning can be performed, but it is time-consuming and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The milk supply device is equipped with an integrated cleaning system that automatically cleans itself without external intervention. The cleaning agent is pumped through the milk transport line and milk dispensing device, and the system automatically drains and rinses, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning agent is supplied to the milk transport line before actual milk dispensing operations begin. The system performs preliminary cleaning cycles to ensure the milk path is free from contaminants before use, and maintains cleanliness through automated intermediate cleaning steps.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed frequently, then hygiene is maintained, but it demands trained personnel and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously monitors and performs cleaning operations based on usage parameters. The control unit tracks dispensing volumes and time intervals, automatically initiating cleaning cycles when thresholds are reached, ensuring consistent hygiene standards without requiring operator judgment or training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control units that monitor milk flow, cleaning agent flow, and system state. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to adjust cleaning frequency and intensity based on actual usage patterns, maintaining optimal hygiene while minimizing unnecessary cleaning operations.
3Productivity
If automated cleaning is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases with valves and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way junction serves multiple functions: it directs milk flow during dispensing operations, redirects cleaning agent flow during cleaning cycles, and enables drainage operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate valves for each operation type, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated cleaning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning agent transport line is integrated with the milk transport line through the three-way junction, allowing the same physical infrastructure to handle both milk dispensing and cleaning operations. The pump and control unit are shared resources that manage both functions, reducing the number of separate components needed.
4Extent of automation
If cleaning agent flow is integrated with milk flow, then automated cleaning is possible, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way junction dynamically switches between milk flow mode and cleaning agent flow mode based on operational requirements. During milk dispensing, the junction directs only milk through the system. During cleaning cycles, it redirects cleaning agent flow while isolating the milk supply container, preventing cross-contamination through active flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-way junction acts as an intermediary device that separates and controls the interaction between milk flow and cleaning agent flow. It provides physical isolation between the two fluid paths when not in use, and controlled connection when switching modes, preventing direct mixing and cross-contamination while enabling automated cleaning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A milk supply device for supplying milk from a milk supply container to a milk dispensing device is provided. The milk supply device comprises a milk transport line which can be connected to the milk supply container and with which milk which has been taken from the milk supply container can be delivered to the milk dispensing device. The milk supply device further comprises a three-way junction, which can be operated such that optionally milk can be transported from the milk supply container to the milk dispensing device, whilst the milk transport line is sealed off by it, at the same time, relative to the cleaning agent transport line, in a fluid-impermeable manner, or cleaning agent can be conducted from the cleaning agent transport line in the direction towards the milk dispensing device and/or in the direction towards a discharge of the milk supply device.