Antimicrobial Vessel Control Using Workpiece Dwell Time Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antimicrobial systems for food products lack the capability to measure critical application parameters, automate control, and enhance overall performance, leading to suboptimal bacterial reduction and product quality.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a vessel with a working fluid, counting sensors for tracking workpieces, a transport system, and a controller that calculates dwell time or density of workpieces and modulates system conditions to optimize antimicrobial application and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated antimicrobial application is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of critical application parameters deteriorates due to lack of sensing capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated antimicrobial applicationVSAvoidcritical application parameters

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/manual monitoring with optical sensing systems (photodetectors, cameras) to automatically measure application parameters such as workpiece position, fluid distribution, and contamination levels, enabling precise measurement without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor intermediaries (photodetectors, cameras, sensors) that mediate between the antimicrobial application process and the control system, allowing indirect measurement of critical parameters through optical and electromagnetic signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple application parameters are monitored and controlled, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional control system that simultaneously monitors workpiece position, fluid application rates, contamination levels, and process parameters through integrated sensors and algorithms, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses automated feedback control where sensors continuously monitor parameters and the controller automatically adjusts application conditions without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If automated control is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased automation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacterial reduction consistencyVSAvoidsystem operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-regulating with automated feedback control that continuously monitors application parameters and adjusts conditions to maintain optimal performance, making the system operate itself without requiring skilled operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250049049A1Systems and methods for antimicrobial application and related data collection

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 CMS TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for antimicrobial application and related data collection are described. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure include calculating a dwell time or density of workpieces in a vessel; and modulating the one or more conditions of the system based on the dwell time or density of workpieces in the vessel.