Quick release connector for beverage machine and cleaning method for the beverage machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage machines face contamination issues due to exposed connecting portions during raw material supply, leading to bacterial growth and food safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A quick release connector with a connector body and a sliding raw material connecting tube, integrated with a cleaning system, allows for internal cleaning of the connection between the beverage machine and the raw material supply member, using food-grade detergent to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting portions of the beverage machine and raw material supply member are exposed to atmosphere during connection, then the connection can be made quickly and easily, but the connecting portions are susceptible to contamination and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealing membrane that covers the connecting portions of both the beverage machine and raw material supply member. This membrane creates a barrier that prevents atmospheric contamination while allowing the connection to be made quickly. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to conform to the connecting surfaces and maintain sealing effectiveness during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a sealed connection environment that isolates the connecting portions from the external atmosphere. By establishing this closed system before connection is complete, the invention prevents harmful factors from the atmosphere (dust, bacteria, contaminants) from contacting the raw material and connecting surfaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection between beverage machine and raw material supply member is cleaned before connection, then initial contamination is reduced, but the connection cannot be cleaned from the outside after connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cleaning function into two distinct modes: external cleaning of the connecting portions before connection, and internal cleaning of the connection passage after connection. The cleaning passage is segmented from the material passage, allowing independent access for cleaning purposes without disrupting the sealed connection between the beverage machine and raw material supply member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cleaning passage as an intermediary channel that provides access to the internal connection surfaces. This separate passage allows cleaning solutions to reach and clean the connecting portions and internal surfaces without requiring disconnection or external access to the sealed connection interface.
3Productivity
If residual raw materials remain at the connecting portion from previous usage, then the system remains ready for operation, but harmful bacteria are more likely to breed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cleaning mechanism that automatically cleans the connection passage and connecting portions during or between operational cycles. This preliminary cleaning action prevents residual raw materials from accumulating and creating conditions for bacterial growth, while maintaining the system's readiness for the next operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous cleaning action through the cleaning passage that can operate independently of the material flow. This continuous or periodic cleaning ensures that residual materials are regularly removed, preventing bacterial growth while the system remains operational and ready for use.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release connector is configured to be connected between a discharging end of a raw material supply member and a feeding end of a beverage machine, and includes a connector body and a raw material connecting tube. The connector body has a raw material end tube portion, and a machine end tube portion for connecting with the feeding end. The raw material end tube portion includes an outer tube section, a branch tube section for connection with a cleaning system, and a pushing section disposed inside the outer tube section. The raw material connecting tube is disposed in and slidable relative to the outer tube section between a cleaning position and a material supply position, and is configured to be connected to the discharging end of the raw material supply member. A cleaning method for the beverage machine is also disclosed.