Device for dispensing a granular product for or in a beverage preparation machine, and beverage making machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing free-flowing products in beverage preparation machines, such as sugar or flavoring powder, are prone to clogging and contamination due to condensation from hot steam or moisture, leading to unhygienic residues and increased maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable dispensing element that can be positioned away from rising steam or moisture, featuring a storage container, dosing device, and a conveying unit, allowing the free-flowing product to be dispensed directly into the beverage container while preventing condensation and trickling, with easy cleaning and reduced adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dispensing element is positioned in the path of rising steam or moisture to dispense product, then dispensing function is achieved, but condensation and clogging occur leading to contamination and hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing element is made movable between a dispensing position (where it dispenses product into the beverage container) and a retracted position (where it is removed from the steam/moisture path). This dynamic positioning allows the system to alternate between functional operation and protective retraction, eliminating condensation issues while maintaining dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is divided into separable components: the dispensing element that can be moved independently from the main machine structure. This segmentation allows the dispensing element to be repositioned away from harmful steam/moisture zones while the dosing device and storage container remain in place.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the dispensing element is made movable to avoid steam and moisture, then condensation and clogging are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable dispensing element is integrated with the dosing device such that the dosing device serves dual functions: it both doses the free-flowing product and provides the mechanical means to move the dispensing element between positions. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite adding movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it doses the free-flowing product into the dispensing element and also acts as the actuating mechanism to move the dispensing element between dispensing and retracted positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If vibration is used to convey sweetener from storage container, then dispensing is achieved, but sweetener trickles down after desired quantity creating residues
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration is applied periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The dosing device activates vibration to convey the free-flowing product during dispensing, then stops vibration once the desired quantity is reached. This periodic action prevents continued trickling that would create residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing device is extracted as a separate functional unit that controls the vibration and dispensing process. It can precisely control when vibration starts and stops, ensuring that product flow is terminated exactly when the desired quantity is dispensed, preventing over-dispensing and subsequent trickling.
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
Significantly reduces condensation and clogging, facilitates easy cleaning, and prevents contamination by positioning the dispensing element out of the steam or moisture path, ensuring a hygienic and efficient dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
The hot steam condenses in and/or on the chute and regularly leads to unhygienic residues
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a free-flowing product for use in a beverage dispenser, comprising a storage container for the free-flowing product, a metering device for dispensing the free-flowing product, and a movable dispensing element for dispensing the free-flowing product into a beverage container, wherein the dispensing element is movable from a dispensing position to a waiting position, and the waiting position is positioned at least horizontally offset from the dispensing position. The present invention further relates to a beverage dispenser with such a device.