Separable Insulating Housing for FOB Detection Unit Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
FOB detection units in beverage dispensing systems are not adequately insulated or cooled, leading to potential microbiological growth and inefficiencies in foam detection, as they are often exposed to room temperature and lack continuous cooling.
Innovation Solution
A separable insulating housing for the FOB detection unit, made from the same material as the python, with recesses for beverage and cooling lines, and fixtures for secure mounting, allowing for easy access and ventilation while maintaining insulation and cooling throughout the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the FOB detection unit is made accessible for venting and inspection, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates because the unit cannot be enclosed within the insulated python
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing part and a second housing part that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows the housing to be opened for venting and inspection while still providing thermal insulation when closed, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and insulation.
2Ease of operation
If the FOB detection unit is placed outside the insulated python for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the beverage in the detection unit is exposed to room temperature causing microbiological growth risks
Solution Approach 1:
The separable housing allows the unit to be accessed when needed while maintaining an enclosed insulated state during normal operation, preventing microbiological growth while preserving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as an intermediary between the FOB detection unit and the external environment, providing thermal insulation while allowing controlled access through separable parts and integrated venting.
3Ease of operation
If the housing is made separable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional housing parts and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation provides ease of maintenance while keeping the structural complexity manageable through simple modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable housing structure serves multiple functions: providing thermal insulation, enabling easy access for maintenance, and facilitating venting operations. This multi-functionality justifies the additional complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single design feature.
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 effectively insulates and cools the FOB detection unit, preventing microbiological growth and ensuring consistent performance by maintaining the beverage and detection unit at a chilled temperature, even when the unit is vented or inspected.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fluid line (24) extending through the insulating housing (12) adjacent the beverage inlet line (16), the beverage outlet line (16'') and the FOB detection unit (14)
Implementation Method 2
an insulating housing (12) made of an insulating material
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an insulating housing (12) for a FOB detection unit (14). The insulating housing (12) defining an internal cavity (28) for fitting the FOB detection unit (14). The insulating housing (12) defining a rear housing part (12'') and a front housing part (12'). The rear housing part (12'') and the front housing part (12')being separable along an outer perimeter (12''') of the insulating housing (12) for exposing the internal cavity (28) and accessing the FOB detection unit (14). The insulating housing (12) further comprising a set of recesses (26, 26', 26'') extending between the outer perimeter (12''') and the internal cavity (28) for accommodating a beverage inlet line (16) in fluid communication with the FOB detection unit (14), a beverage outlet line (16'') in fluid communication with the FOB detection unit (14), and a cooling fluid line (24, 24') extending through the insulating housing (12) adjacent the beverage inlet line (16), the beverage outlet line (16'') and the FOB detection unit (14) for cooling the same.