Multi-Dispersion Spray Apparatus for Self-Cleaning Beverage Brewers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage brewing machines face challenges with residue buildup, leading to clogging and bacterial growth due to difficult and time-consuming cleaning processes, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A beverage brewer spray apparatus with a lid, dispersal member, and skirt design that allows for directed water or cleaning fluid spraying, enabling effective and efficient cleaning of brewing machine elements, including automatic operation during normal brewing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used for brewing machine elements, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires great effort
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing machine performs self-cleaning through an automated spray apparatus that directs cleaning fluid through dispersal members onto internal surfaces, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and cleaning by users
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic spray system that delivers cleaning fluid under pressure through conduits and dispersal members to automatically clean internal brewing surfaces, replacing manual cleaning methods
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is attempted on hard-to-reach elements, then cleaning coverage can be improved, but the complexity and effort required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple dispersal members with apertures positioned at different locations and orientations, each targeting specific hard-to-reach areas such as chamber walls, conduit interiors, and brewing element surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersal members extend into three-dimensional space within the brewing chamber, with apertures oriented to spray cleaning fluid onto surfaces that would be inaccessible from a single plane, enabling comprehensive coverage of complex geometries
3Productivity
If residue buildup is allowed to occur, then brewing operation continues uninterrupted, but clogging and bacterial growth problems develop
Solution Approach 1:
The spray apparatus performs preliminary cleaning action during or between brewing cycles by directing cleaning fluid onto surfaces before residue can accumulate to problematic levels, preventing clogging and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically during brewing operations, maintaining constant cleaning action that prevents residue buildup without interrupting brewing 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
The apparatus facilitates quick, thorough, and easy cleaning of brewing machine elements, reducing residue buildup and bacterial growth, while minimizing user effort and time.
Implementation Method 1
The sidewall has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, arranged in a distal section of the sidewall. The apertures are configured to direct liquid from the interior of the dispersal member generally outward from the dispersal member.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage brewer spray apparatus includes a lid, dispersal members, and a skirt. The lid has an obverse and converse surfaces. The dispersal members extend from the converse surface of the lid at open proximal ends of the dispersal members. The skirt has a proximal end fixed to and extending outward from the converse surface of the lid. Each dispersal member has a sidewall and a distal end defining an interior of the dispersal member. The sidewall has apertures arranged in a distal section of the sidewall. The lid has through-holes formed between the obverse and converse surfaces, and the dispersal members are fixed to the converse surface such that the through-holes provide fluid communication from the obverse surface of the lid to the apertures through the interiors of the dispersal members. The apertures are configured to direct liquid outward from the dispersal members.