Reusable Cleaning Device for Capsule Beverage System Brewing Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for automated capsule-based beverage systems are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly in cleaning the brewing chamber, and can lead to contamination due to the lack of effective cleaning of the outlet nozzle and brewing chamber, with existing cleaning capsules posing safety risks and not being reusable.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a body portion configured to hold cleaning material in a fixed relationship, allowing water under pressure to interact with the material to create a cleaning solution, effectively cleaning the brewing chamber and outlet arrangement, and allowing for the reloading of cleaning material for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of the outlet arrangement and brewing chamber is performed, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device enables the brewing chamber and outlet arrangement to clean themselves by using the system's own water pressure mechanism. The cleaning material is activated by water flowing through the chamber during normal operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning material is pre-loaded into the brewing chamber in a stable form that activates automatically when water flows through it. This preliminary preparation allows the cleaning action to occur automatically during the beverage dispensing cycle, converting a time-consuming manual task into an automated preliminary action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cleaning capsules are used instead of beverage capsules, then cleaning function is provided, but safety risks due to confusion and lack of reusability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented from the beverage dispensing function by using a dedicated cleaning device that is visually and functionally distinct from beverage capsules. The cleaning device includes identifiable features and is loaded separately, preventing user confusion while maintaining the ability to perform cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to be reusable and recoverable, unlike single-use cleaning capsules. After the cleaning material is consumed, the device body can be retained, refilled with fresh cleaning material, and reused, eliminating waste and providing a permanent safety distinction from disposable beverage capsules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable cartridges are used in capsule based systems, then versatility is improved, but cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to be used regularly and continuously between different beverage dispensing operations. By establishing a continuous cleaning routine using the same device, the system maintains consistent hygiene standards across multiple uses and different beverage types, preventing contamination accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable cartridge system works in conjunction with the cleaning device to create a self-maintaining system. The cleaning device automatically cleans the brewing chamber and cartridges during operation, enabling the reusable components to maintain themselves without external intervention, thus preserving versatility while ensuring contamination prevention.
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 solution provides an efficient and safe method for cleaning both the brewing chamber and outlet arrangement of capsule-based beverage systems, reducing contamination risks and improving user safety by allowing for the reuse of the cleaning device after reloading the cleaning material.
Implementation Method 1
Water under pressure is then introduced into the capsule by the inlet arrangement to dissolve the tablet and form a cleaning solution
Implementation Method 2
The body portion is configured to allow water under pressure originating from the inlet arrangement to flow through the body portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleaning device for cleaning a capsule based beverage system is disclosed. The beverage system is of the type that includes a brewing chamber having a predetermined size and shape for receiving a beverage capsule and an inlet arrangement operable to introduce water at pressure into the beverage capsule received in the chamber and an outlet arrangement to deliver beverage from the beverage capsule. The cleaning device comprises an open ended body portion configured to be located in the brewing chamber, the body portion including a cleaning material holding portion. The cleaning material holding portion is configured to hold the cleaning material in a fixed relationship with respect to the body portion, wherein the body portion is configured to allow water under pressure originating from the inlet arrangement to flow through the body and to interact with the cleaning material to create a cleaning solution that cleans the brewing chamber and outlet arrangement.