Modular foaming unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for producing milk foam are complex, require separate systems for hot and cold foam, and pose hygiene and storage life challenges due to germ formation and increased cleaning complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a modular unit that integrates a line system, pump, air-enrichment element, and continuous flow heater using thick-film technology, allowing for selective production of hot and cold foam within a cooling device, minimizing germ formation and cleaning complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for hot and cold milk foam production, then foam production capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hot and cold foam production capabilities into a single integrated device. The housing contains both a heating element and a cooling device that share common components including the storage container, pump, line system, and outlet nozzle. This merging eliminates the need for separate systems while maintaining both hot and cold foam production capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functional components that serve dual purposes. The pump, line system, and outlet nozzle are used for both hot and cold foam production. The heating element and cooling device can be selectively activated to produce different types of foam from the same milk supply system, making the device universally applicable for various foam requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple line paths and heating devices are used, then foam production versatility is improved, but cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple line paths into a single integrated line system that serves both hot and cold foam production. Instead of having separate lines for different foam types, a single line system with selective heating or cooling allows the same path to be used for various foam productions, significantly simplifying the cleaning process.
3Productivity
If milk is heated in a storage container and pumped through lines, then warm foam production is improved, but germ formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cooling to the milk in the storage container before the milk is pumped and processed. By pre-cooling the milk to around 4°C and maintaining it at this temperature throughout the line system, the device prevents germ formation that would occur with prolonged storage at higher temperatures. The heating is applied only at the moment of foam production rather than during storage.
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 efficient, space-saving production of both hot and cold milk foam with reduced germ formation and simplified cleaning, maintaining milk freshness and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element which, in the direction of flow of the liquid, is disposed behind the pump and behind the air-enrichment element. The liquid extracted from the at least one storage container is enriched with air from the surrounding area, for example in a pressureless way, in a correspondingly designed air-enrichment element, whereby the liquid froths up and forms a stable foam.
Implementation Method 2
The liquid extracted from the at least one storage container is enriched with air from the surrounding area, for example in a pressureless way, in a correspondingly designed air-enrichment element, whereby the liquid froths up and forms a stable foam.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for foaming liquid includes a line system and a pump, via which at least one first line of the line system is connectible to at least one storage container in which the liquid to be foamed is stored, and via a second line of the line system is connectible to at least one outlet nozzle, an air-enrichment element by means of which air can pass through the liquid, and a heating element designed as a continuous flow heater. Furthermore, the heating element is arranged in the second line of the line system of the device and is designed as a thick-film heater in which an electric heating resistor is attached to a carrier using thick-film technology, on which carrier a flow path is provided for the liquid.