Cooling device for storage containers having liquid foodstuffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices for beverage-dispensing machines are limited in flexibility and diversity of beverages they can supply, particularly in handling multiple types of liquid foodstuffs like milk and cold brew, which requires separate storage and pumping systems to maintain quality and prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling device with interchangeable pump modules for different foodstuff types, featuring quick connection and cleaning mechanisms, and a connected cleaning device to ensure hygiene and operational efficiency, allowing for flexible operation and easy upgrading with various pump modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage containers for different liquid foodstuffs are stored in the cooling device, then the diversity of beverages that can be supplied is extended, but the risk of contamination and adverse taste effects increases if pump modules come into contact with different foodstuff types
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pumping function into separate pump modules, each dedicated to a specific foodstuff type. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination by ensuring that each pump only handles one type of liquid foodstuff, while still allowing the system to support multiple beverage types through modular composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump modules are designed with universal interfaces that allow them to be interchangeably installed in standardized receiving compartments. Each pump module maintains its specific function for one foodstuff type, but the overall system achieves multi-functionality by accommodating different pump modules for different beverages.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate pump modules are used for different foodstuff types, then contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pump modules and receiving compartments
Solution Approach 1:
All pump modules share a common standardized interface design for mounting and connection. This universal interface allows different pump modules to be installed in the same receiving compartments using the same mounting mechanism, electrical connections, and hydraulic connections, thereby reducing operational complexity despite having multiple specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pump modules are designed as interchangeable insertion modules, then flexibility and ease of upgrading is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module is designed as a self-contained, pre-assembled unit that includes the pump mechanism, connections, and mounting interface. This segmentation allows the module to be manufactured and tested independently, then installed as a complete unit, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the modular complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface design enables a single receiving compartment design to accommodate multiple different pump modules. This universality means that the receiving compartment structure, mounting mechanism, and connection interfaces need to be manufactured only once, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If hydraulic and electrical plug-in connections are provided on the receiving compartments, then automatic connection is achieved when pump modules are inserted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (hydraulic connections, electrical connections, and mechanical mounting) are merged into a single insertion action. When the pump module is inserted into the receiving compartment, all connections are established simultaneously through the integrated interface design, providing automatic connection without requiring separate operations for each connection type.
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
The modular design enhances the flexibility and hygiene of the cooling device, enabling the dispensing of multiple beverage types without contamination, extending the range of beverages that can be supplied and maintaining the quality of stored liquid foodstuffs.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic connection of the inserted pump module to the cooling device is formed
Implementation Method 2
a coolable storage chamber for storing a plurality of storage containers having liquid foodstuffs
Data Source
AI summary
In a cooling device (10) having a coolable storage chamber (15) for storing a plurality of storage containers (11, 12, 13, 14) having liquid foodstuffs to be made available for dispensing to a beverage dispensing device connected to the cooling device, two or more receiving compartments (21, 22, 23, 24) are provided, each of which receives one pump module (30, 30′, 30a, 30a′, 30a″, 30a′″) which is used to pump liquid foodstuff of a foodstuff type allocated to the relevant pump module to a beverage dispensing device connected to the cooling device.