Outlet, beverage preparation device and method for cleaning an outlet of a beverage preparation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation devices often produce uneven liquid jets due to high air or steam content, leading to splashes and contamination issues, and existing solutions like intermediate chambers are difficult to clean, especially when preparing drinks with milk.
Innovation Solution
An outlet design with a dispensing chamber, an overflow channel branching off at the highest point, and a helical outlet channel that separates steam and air, allowing for easy cleaning and uniform liquid dispensing, featuring a replaceable outlet element with a seal to prevent accidental release and facilitate dishwasher cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an intermediate chamber is provided to calm the liquid flow and remove vapor, then the liquid dispensing becomes more stable, but the cleaning of the chamber becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is divided into functionally separate channels: an outlet channel for liquid dispensing and a separate overflow channel for vapor removal and cleaning. This segmentation allows the overflow channel to serve dual purposes of vapor venting during operation and cleaning during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between flow stability and cleaning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow channel is designed to perform multiple functions: it removes vapor and air during beverage preparation, enables complete filling of the dispensing chamber with cleaning fluid, and provides a drainage path for cleaning fluid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining flow stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the outlet has a complex internal structure to control liquid flow and remove vapor, then the beverage preparation quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor removal function is extracted from the main liquid flow path and handled separately through the overflow channel. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex vapor-liquid separation mechanisms within the single flow path, while still achieving precise liquid dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent vapor and air from entering the dispensing chamber, the design inverts the approach by providing a dedicated overflow channel that actively removes these gases. This inversion simplifies the structure by accepting gas presence and managing it separately, rather than attempting to exclude it through complex sealing and separation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the outlet opening is positioned at the lowest point for complete drainage, then cleaning efficiency improves, but the risk of scalding from steam discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet structure segments the liquid and vapor discharge paths: the outlet opening at the lowest point handles liquid drainage for efficient cleaning, while the separate overflow channel positioned higher up handles vapor and air removal. This segmentation allows both low opening position for cleaning efficiency and safe vapor discharge to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow channel acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the conflicting requirements of low outlet opening position (for cleaning efficiency) and safe vapor discharge. It provides a separate pathway for vapor removal that is positioned to prevent scalding while allowing the outlet opening to remain at the lowest point for complete drainage.
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
Ensures a uniform liquid jet pattern, easy cleaning, and reduced risk of scalding by separating steam and air, while allowing for effective rinsing and maintenance of the outlet, even with milk-based beverages.
Implementation Method 1
the overflow channel branches off from the dispensing chamber near a highest point during proper use of the outlet... a portion of the vapor from the beverage being dispensed can be released and discharged to the outside via the additional overflow channel
Implementation Method 2
The outlet channel can have a helical internal geometry. This imposes a swirl on the jet of the liquid being dispensed, resulting in a more uniform spray pattern.
Data Source
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AI summary
An outlet (1) for a beverage maker for dispensing a liquid comprises a dispensing chamber (2) for accommodating the liquid which is to be dispensed, also comprises an entry opening (3) for connection to a liquid supply, and further comprises an outlet opening (4) for dispensing the liquid. The dispensing chamber (2) is arranged between the entry opening (3) and the outlet opening (4). The outlet also comprises at least one overflow channel (7), which connects the dispensing chamber (2), in addition, in the outward direction. When the outlet (1) is used as intended, the overflow channel (7) branches off from the dispensing chamber (2) in the region of a highest point (8).