Soft Serve Manifold Assembly With Counter-Current Line Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning food processors are time-consuming and require significant operator input, especially in systems with multiple beverage lines, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination due to the lack of regular cleaning and sanitizing.
Innovation Solution
A clean-in-place system that uses a counter-current flow of a pressurized cleaning solution through the food processor's flow path, including a manifold assembly, dispensing valve, and bypass line, to efficiently rinse, clean, and sanitize the system, reducing operator intervention and enhancing monitoring and reporting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable chemical dispenser systems are used to clean beverage lines, then cleaning can be performed, but the process becomes extremely time consuming and requires significant operator input
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning by automatically propelling cleaning solution through the beverage dispensing system using the existing beverage pump and hose infrastructure. The machine cleans itself without requiring manual intervention to move chemical dispensers between lines, eliminating the time-consuming aspect while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by employing the beverage pump to pressurize and propel cleaning solution through the beverage lines. This leverages the existing pneumatic/hydraulic infrastructure of the dispensing system to automate the cleaning process, replacing manual portable dispensing with an automated fluid-driven system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more beverage varieties are offered, then product selection increases, but the cleaning process becomes even more time demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple beverage lines and types. The manifold assembly can distribute cleaning solution to multiple beverage dispensing lines simultaneously or sequentially, and the system adapts to different hose configurations, making it versatile enough to handle increased beverage variety without proportionally increasing cleaning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous cleaning operation by automatically cycling cleaning solution through all beverage lines without requiring manual intervention between lines. The automated pump-driven system maintains continuous flow and pressure, allowing multiple lines to be cleaned in sequence without interruption, thus handling increased beverage variety efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used, then operator control is maintained, but the process requires attention of at least one person to manually move chemical dispense systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service operation where the beverage dispensing machine automatically performs its own cleaning. The integrated pump, manifold, and hose system work autonomously to circulate cleaning solution through all lines, eliminating the need for operators to manually move dispensers while maintaining full cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cleaning system with the existing beverage dispensing infrastructure by integrating the cleaning manifold with the beverage pump and hoses. This combination allows the same mechanical components to serve dual purposes: beverage dispensing and system cleaning, thereby automating cleaning without requiring separate manual operations.
4Loss of time
If cleaning is not performed regularly, then time and effort are saved, but bacteria and deposits collect in fluid lines contaminating beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The automated cleaning system enables the machine to self-clean regularly and easily, removing the barrier of manual effort that prevented frequent cleaning. Operators can initiate cleaning cycles without significant time or physical investment, allowing regular sanitation that prevents bacterial and deposit accumulation while maintaining minimal operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by regularly flushing the beverage lines with cleaning solution before contamination can occur. The automated manifold distributes cleaning agent proactively through all lines, preventing bacterial growth and deposit formation rather than requiring intensive remedial cleaning after contamination occurs.
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 system significantly reduces cleaning time and operator input while ensuring thorough sanitation and compliance with health regulations by automatically regulating the cleaning solution flow and using a counter-current method to effectively reach all parts of the food processor's flow path.
Implementation Method 1
passing a pressurized cleaning solution from the engaged manifold assembly through the dispensing port to pass the cleaning solution along a portion of the food flow path in a reverse flow direction from the dispensing port toward the upstream end
Implementation Method 2
the manifold assembly including distribution manifold having a wash barrel sized to be received within the food processor and move the dispensing valve to the open position
Implementation Method 3
locating a pressure cover having a drain port to cover a hopper and sufficiently seal the hopper so that pressure of the cleaning solution entering the hopper is sufficient to force material through the drain port in the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.