Rotating Nozzle Cleaning Device for Beverage Dispensers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage dispensers' nozzle assemblies often become clogged due to build-up and debris, requiring thorough and quick cleaning to maintain optimal functioning, but existing methods can be time-consuming and require partial disassembly, leading to downtime.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a handle, rotatable head end, guidance protrusion, and sets of bristles is designed to efficiently clean both macro-ingredient/diluent and micro-ingredient outlets by positioning the guidance protrusion and bristles within the outlets and rotating them to remove debris, allowing for quick and thorough cleaning without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning time increases and partial disassembly is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning speedVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is segmented into multiple functional components: a guidance protrusion for alignment, a first set of bristles for cleaning the macro-ingredient/diluent outlet, and a second set of bristles for cleaning micro-ingredient outlets. This segmentation allows each component to target specific areas simultaneously, improving cleaning efficiency without requiring disassembly of the nozzle assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can clean both the macro-ingredient/diluent outlet and multiple micro-ingredient outlets in a single operation. The guidance protrusion ensures proper positioning while the multiple bristle sets address different outlet types, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations or disassembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If thorough cleaning is performed, then optimal functioning is ensured, but cleaning process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimal functioningVSAvoidcleaning duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance protrusion performs preliminary action by automatically aligning the cleaning device with the nozzle assembly outlets before cleaning begins. This pre-positioning ensures that all bristle sets are correctly positioned to clean their respective targets simultaneously, achieving thorough cleaning without extending the actual cleaning duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated tool. The first set of bristles cleans the macro-ingredient/diluent outlet while the second set of bristles cleans the micro-ingredient outlets simultaneously. This combining of functions allows comprehensive cleaning to be performed in one quick operation rather than multiple sequential steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 cleaning device enables rapid and effective cleaning of nozzle assemblies, ensuring optimal functioning and minimizing downtime by allowing for thorough removal of blockages without disassembling the dispenser, thus maintaining consistent beverage dispensing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first set of bristles extending from the head end and surrounding the guidance protrusion, and a second set of bristles extending from the head end adjacent to the first set of bristles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

rotating the head end via a handle rotatably coupled to the head end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS11912559B2Cleaning device for nozzle assemblies of beverage dispensers

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 THE COCA COLA CO

AI summary

A cleaning device for cleaning a dispensing nozzle assembly of a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a macro-ingredient/diluent outlet and a number of micro-ingredient outlets surrounding the macro-ingredient/diluent outlet. The cleaning device may include a handle, a head end rotatably attached to the handle, a guidance protrusion extending from the head end, a first set of bristles extending from the head end and surrounding the guidance protrusion, and a second set of bristles extending from the head end adjacent to the first set of bristles.