Assembly for arranging in a kitchen and/or catering device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies for kitchen and catering devices are difficult to manufacture and require frequent maintenance due to complex cleaning processes, particularly when using solid additives.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with a solids unit that includes a receptacle for solid additives, a supply line for dissolving the additives, and a discharge line, featuring a bottle fixing mechanism that securely holds bottles in place during operation and allows easy insertion and removal, with optional locking mechanisms for user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex cleaning device with multiple components is used, then cleaning functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into modular components: a removable container for solid cleaning agent, a separate liquefaction device with heating element, and a spray nozzle system. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of each component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid cleaning agent is extracted into a separate removable container, and the liquefaction function is separated into a dedicated heating chamber. This extraction simplifies the main device structure and allows the cleaning agent storage and processing to be handled by separate, simpler components.
2Reliability
If solid cleaning agents are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to dissolution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through controlled heating in the liquefaction device. This vapor phase directly contacts the solid cleaning agent, facilitating efficient dissolution and transfer to the spray system, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Water vapor acts as an intermediary medium between the solid cleaning agent and the spray system. The vapor phase efficiently dissolves the solid agent and transports it through the system, simplifying maintenance compared to direct liquid handling of concentrated cleaning agents.
3Reliability
If a secure bottle fixing mechanism is implemented, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle fixing mechanism uses a spring-loaded clamp that applies counteracting forces to securely hold the bottle in place. The spring provides continuous contact force to prevent bottle displacement during operation, ensuring reliable operation without complex mechanical locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism incorporates a movable clamp with spring tension that dynamically adapts to the bottle's position and shape. This dynamic adjustment ensures secure fixation while allowing for easy bottle insertion and removal, maintaining operational reliability without excessive mechanical complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable cleaning of kitchen and catering devices by ensuring secure and efficient use of solid additives, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a supply line (5) leading to the receptacle (3) and arranged to supply a fluid, in particular water and the washing liquor described, for dissolving the additive
Implementation Method 2
the heating/recirculating unit can also be used to generate steam, in order to treat the food in the food chamber by means of steam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for arrangement in a kitchen and/or catering device, in particular a cooking device, comprising: at least one solids unit with: a receptacle for inserting a bottle filled with solid additive along an inserting direction, a supply line leading to the receptacle for supplying a fluid dissolving the additive, and a discharge line leading from the receptacle for discharging the fluid together with dissolved additive, and at least one operable bottle fixing device, which is formed in a fixed state to fix the at least one bottle into the respective receptacle and in a released state to release the at least one bottle for removing against the inserting direction.