Self-Cleaning Sweeper and Filter Assembly for Beverage Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated juicing systems face issues with pulp and fruit remains clogging the machine, as current sweeper and filter designs often require flexible materials that are inadequate for handling stuck pulp, leading to inefficient cleaning and increased cleaning force requirements.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning sweeper assembly with a flexible, permeable carrier band that acts as a filter, mounted on tank tread-style shafts with a drive element, including scrapers and an additional filter, allows juice to pass through while capturing pulp and seeds, and features independent motor control for various cleaning programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible materials are used for the scraper to allow movement about shafts, then the sweeper can operate with movable scrapers, but the carrying force is limited and cannot effectively handle stuck pulp

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescraper movement capabilityVSAvoidcarrying force for pulp removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the scraper flexible to allow movement, the invention inverts the approach by making the carrier band flexible and the scraper fixed. The flexible carrier band moves about the shafts while carrying the pulp, and the fixed scraper effectively removes stuck pulp without being constrained by flexibility requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention separates the functions of movement and cleaning. The carrier band handles the movement function with its flexibility, while the scraper handles the cleaning function with its rigidity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sweeper is integrated with the juicing machine, then the system is unified, but the sweeper cannot operate independently for cleaning when the machine is not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic characteristics by allowing the sweeper to operate in two modes: integrated with the juicing machine during operation, and independently removable for autonomous cleaning cycles. This dynamic adaptability enables the sweeper to function both as part of the machine system and as an independent cleaning device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sweeper is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an integrated component during juicing operations and as an independent self-cleaning unit. This universal design allows the same device to perform different functions at different times, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the carrier band is made from filtering material or with filtering orifices, then the band can filter juice from pulp, but the band requires more complex material construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capabilityVSAvoidband construction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the carrier band and filter into a single integrated component. The carrier band is constructed from filtering material or with filtering orifices directly incorporated, combining the functions of transport and filtration in one element. This eliminates the need for separate filter components and simplifies the overall construction.

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

Effectively prevents machine clogging by efficiently filtering out pulp and seeds, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing the force required for cleaning, with the ability to operate independently of the juicing machine and accommodate multiple cleaning programs.

Implementation Method 1

The carrier band, which is flexible, receives on its upper surface the product of the juicing... The juice crosses the carrier band, which is permeable, and the solid remains are caught on the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

The carrying and filtering area are connected to the drive element by a gear that transmits the movement of the motor to the drive shaft supporting the permeable band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS10933358B2Sweeper and filter assembly for beverage preparation machines

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 ZUMEX GRP SA

AI summary

Sweeper and filter assembly for beverage preparation machines comprising a sweeper associated with a filter, the sweeper comprising a carrier band mounted on at least two shafts. The carrier band can perform the filtering function itself as it is made from a filtering material or is provided with suitable orifices. The carrier band is flexible and preferably elastic. The shafts on which the band is mounted are supported by a casing, where at least one of said shafts engages a drive element comprising a motor and an electronic device for managing the motor. At least one scraper is provided joined to the casing in order to clean the carrier band. The motor of the drive element is independent from the motor of the juicing machine, the device having sweeping and filtering cycles independent of the juicing cycles of the main machine.