Dual-Mode Fluid Connector With Rotatable Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage preparing machines lack automatic cleaning functionality, requiring manual removal and reconnection of multiple connectors, which is labor-intensive and prone to damage, and often results in a dirty environment and bacterial contamination.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode fluid connector with a hollow connecting element, a material tube, a cleaning tube, and a rotatable element that can switch between serve and clean modes, allowing for automatic cleaning and disinfection without detaching from material containers, using a bended plate and rotatable element to control fluid flow and detergent circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual cleaning method is used, then cleaning can be performed, but labor time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables self-service cleaning by allowing cleaning solution to flow through the connector body and tubes without manual disassembly. The cleaning solution circulates through the material tube and cleaning tube internally, automatically cleaning the system while remaining connected to the material container.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single device: material transmission, cleaning solution circulation, and disinfection. The dual-mode design allows the same connector to handle both beverage material and cleaning fluids without requiring separate connectors for each function.
2Reliability
If connectors are manually removed and reconnected, then cleaning access is achieved, but connector damage and environmental contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs self-cleaning while remaining connected to the material container. The cleaning solution flows through the connector and tubes internally, eliminating the need to disconnect connectors for cleaning, thus preventing damage and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional channels: a material tube for beverage transmission and a cleaning tube for cleaning solution circulation. This segmentation allows independent flow paths that enable cleaning without disconnection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-mode connector is used, then simple liquid transmission is achieved, but automatic cleaning functionality cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single device: material transmission, cleaning solution circulation, and disinfection. The dual-mode design allows the same connector to handle both beverage material and cleaning fluids without requiring separate connectors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional channels: a material tube for beverage transmission and a cleaning tube for cleaning solution circulation. This segmentation allows independent flow paths that enable cleaning without disconnection.
4Reliability
If manual cleaning procedure is implemented, then hygiene can be maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables self-service cleaning by allowing cleaning solution to flow through the connector body and tubes without manual disassembly. The cleaning solution circulates through the material tube and cleaning tube internally, automatically cleaning the system while remaining connected to the material container.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process can be performed continuously without interrupting the connection to material containers. The connector maintains continuous flow paths for both material and cleaning solution, enabling uninterrupted cleaning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode fluid connector includes: a hollow connecting element, comprising a chamber inside the hollow connecting element; a material tube, positioned on the hollow connecting element and connected through the chamber; a cleaning tube, positioned on the hollow connecting element and connected through the chamber; a head portion, positioned on one terminal of the hollow connecting element and having a connecting opening, wherein the connecting opening can be detachably connected to a material container; a rear portion, positioned on another terminal of the hollow connecting element and having a through hole; and a rod, inserted into the chamber via the through hole; a bended plate, sleeved on the rear portion; and a rotatable element, covered on the rear portion and the bended plate, and engaged with the rod.