Air Knife Drying Arm for Insulated Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying insulated containers at low temperatures are inefficient and slow, particularly due to the slow evaporation of water-based cleaning agents, which hinders the cleaning and drying process in cold chain management for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and fresh foods.
Innovation Solution
A drying arm system equipped with multiple air knives and a method that uses compressed air to efficiently dry containers by scanning all surfaces with rotatable air knives, allowing for selective air flow direction and temperature control between 1.0°C to 7.0°C, along with container characterization for tailored drying programs and simultaneous door drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If centrifugal systems are used for drying containers at low temperatures, then drying can be achieved without heating, but the drying speed is relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs air knives that utilize compressed air streams to rapidly remove water from container surfaces. The air knives generate high-velocity air jets that physically blow water droplets off the containers, replacing the slow centrifugal drying method. This pneumatic approach enables fast drying at low temperatures by mechanically removing water rather than relying on slow evaporation or centrifugal force.
2Use of energy by moving object
If water-based cleaning agents are used at depressed temperatures, then energy efficiency is improved, but evaporation is slow and drying becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The air knife system uses compressed air to physically eject water droplets from container surfaces, replacing the passive evaporation process. This active pneumatic removal allows water-based cleaning agents to be used at low temperatures without sacrificing drying efficiency, as the water is mechanically removed rather than relying on slow thermal evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the drying mechanism from thermal (evaporation) to mechanical (air stream impingement). By altering the fundamental drying parameter from temperature-dependent evaporation to pressure-dependent air jet removal, the system achieves fast drying at low temperatures with water-based cleaning agents.
3Productivity
If multiple air knives are used to dry all container surfaces, then drying effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drying system is divided into multiple air knives positioned at different locations to target specific container surfaces. Each air knife is responsible for drying a particular area (top, bottom, sides, door), allowing comprehensive coverage through modular segmentation rather than using a single complex drying mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The air knives are positioned in three-dimensional space around the container, with some mounted on the body and others on the door. This spatial distribution across different dimensions enables complete surface coverage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each air knife operates independently in its designated zone.
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 enables fast, energy-efficient, and effective drying of insulated containers at low temperatures, enhancing the efficiency of the cleaning process while maintaining the cold chain integrity without the need for heating, thus improving throughput and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The air knife assembly may be used for cleaning solar panels... a drying arm comprising a plurality of air knives for drying (insulated) containers... uses compressed air to efficiently dry containers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a drying arm comprising a plurality of air knives for drying (insulated) containers. In addition, an (insulated) container dryer using said drying arm is provided. Furthermore, devices for cleaning and drying (insulated) containers are described; as well as methods for cleaning and/or drying (insulated) containers.