Modular Cleaning Unit for Beverage Dispensing Hygiene
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face hygiene issues due to residual beverage accumulation in tapping lines and devices, leading to bacterial growth and clogging, with existing cleaning solutions lacking modularity and flexibility to adapt to user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A modular cleaning unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to beverage dispensing systems, featuring a discharge valve with multiple positions for beverage dispensing, cleaning, and closure, utilizing pressure fluid to propel cleaning liquid through the system, and a user interface for control, allowing for customization and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable tapping lines and devices are used, then hygiene is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable tapping lines and tapping devices that are replaced regularly to ensure hygiene. These single-use components are designed to be inexpensive and easy to replace, allowing frequent changes without significant time or resource investment. The disposable nature eliminates cleaning requirements while maintaining high hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a modular architecture where tapping lines and devices can be dynamically replaced and reconfigured. The cleaning unit is designed to work with interchangeable components, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on hygiene requirements and operational needs without permanent fixed installations.
2Loss of time
If permanent installation of tapping lines and devices is used, then installation time is reduced, but hygiene deteriorates due to residual beverage accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous cleaning cycles that operate alongside beverage dispensing. The cleaning unit continuously circulates cleaning liquid through the permanent tapping lines and devices, ensuring that residual beverages are constantly removed and hygiene is maintained without requiring line replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent tapping lines and devices are designed with self-cleaning capabilities through the integrated cleaning unit. The system automatically performs cleaning operations without manual intervention, with the cleaning liquid being circulated through the lines and devices to maintain hygiene independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular cleaning unit with multiple components is used, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is divided into distinct functional modules including a cleaning liquid supply system, a circulation pump, a control unit, and a user interface. Each module can be independently configured and maintained, allowing the system to be adapted to different beverage dispensing configurations while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The same cleaning liquid circulation system can clean different types of tapping lines and devices, and the control unit can manage various cleaning modes and configurations, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
4Reliability
If frequent replacement of tapping lines and devices is performed, then hygiene is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By using disposable tapping lines and devices, the system enables rapid replacement without extensive cleaning procedures. The low cost of these single-use components allows frequent changes to be made quickly, maintaining hygiene standards while minimizing disruption to beverage dispensing operations and overall productivity.
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
Enables permanent installation of tapping lines and devices, reducing replacement time, and provides flexibility for adaptation to user needs, ensuring effective cleaning and hygiene without the need for frequent system changes or additional components like pumps or gas blenders.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pressure fluid to propel cleaning liquid through the system
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning unit (38) for supplying a cleaning liquid to a beverage dispensing system, in which the cleaning unit (38) comprises a first inlet (36) for receiving a pressure fluid, a second inlet (44) for receiving a cleaning liquid, an outlet (42) for supplying the cleaning liquid to a discharge valve of the beverage dispensing system, and a drive mechanism for forcing the cleaning liquid from the second inlet (44) to said outlet (42) by using the pressure fluid received at the first inlet.