Apparatus, system and method for food washing and preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food washing systems, particularly for rice, are inefficient in removing particulates and pesticides, often result in water wastage, and fail to prevent rice grains from sticking to surfaces, leading to grain loss and potential damage during the washing process.
Innovation Solution
A portable washing apparatus comprising a handle, lid, paddle, strainer, and container, where the paddle is rotated within the strainer to agitate and clean rice, reducing water usage and preventing grain loss by ensuring all grains are transferred to the cooking vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hand washing methods are used to wash rice, then the process is simple and requires no additional equipment, but it is tedious and laborious, subject to excessive water use, loss of rice grains down the drain, and requires that the preparer soak their hands in the rice-which can be unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus enables self-service washing where the machine automatically performs the washing function. The paddle rotates automatically to agitate and wash the rice, eliminating the need for manual hand washing while maintaining effective cleaning. This resolves the contradiction by making the system easy to operate (simple assembly and use) while significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional hand washing methods.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical washing systems are used to clean rice, then the washing process is automated and less laborious, but they have not accounted for the tendencies of rice to stick to washers nor have they created a method to ensure all grains are transferred to the intended cooking vessel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent rice from sticking to the washer surfaces, the invention inverts the approach by designing the paddle and strainer with non-stick properties and specific geometries that prevent adhesion. The paddle rotates in a manner that lifts rice grains off the strainer surface, and the strainer is designed with features that facilitate complete grain transfer to the cooking vessel. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining automation while minimizing rice grain loss through clever design rather than complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by giving different parts of the washing apparatus specific properties tailored to their functions. The paddle has a specific shape and surface property that prevents rice sticking, the strainer has a mesh size and surface characteristics that facilitate grain release, and the coating materials are selectively applied to surfaces that contact rice. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between automation and grain loss without requiring complete system redesign.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional food washers use larger filter pores or grates, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but rice grains can easily slip between filters or grating leading to grain loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses porous materials with specifically controlled pore sizes in the strainer that are small enough to retain rice grains while large enough to allow water flow. The porous structure is designed with appropriate pore diameter, distribution, and connectivity to achieve effective rice grain retention without requiring extremely fine meshes that would be difficult to manufacture. This resolves the contradiction by selecting optimal pore characteristics that balance manufacturing feasibility with grain retention performance.
4Reliability
If excessive agitation is applied during washing to remove particulates and pesticides, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but rice granule damage occurs due to excessive and/or improper agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic agitation where the paddle rotates at controlled speeds and patterns to create gentle yet effective washing action. The rotation speed, amplitude, and trajectory are optimized to provide sufficient mechanical action for removing particulates and pesticides while remaining below the threshold that causes rice grain damage. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by adapting the agitation intensity to achieve cleaning effectiveness without compromising grain integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing apparatus uses periodic agitation cycles with varying intensity levels. The paddle rotates in a pattern that provides intermittent gentle mixing rather than continuous harsh agitation. This periodic action allows rice grains to settle between agitation cycles, reducing cumulative mechanical stress while still achieving effective removal of contaminants over the washing period. This resolves the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and grain protection through time-based modulation of agitation intensity.
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 apparatus effectively removes particulates and pesticides while conserving water and minimizing grain loss, providing a more efficient and hygienic rice washing process compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the paddle is rotated within the strainer to agitate and clean rice
Implementation Method 2
strainer or filter
Data Source
AI summary
A washing apparatus that is used to clean and prepare foods for human consumption. Best used with rice, the system helps to make the cleaning process simpler. The system is composed of a container which can be filled with water. A strainer, which can be inserted into the container, which can be filled with rice. A spatula, paddle, or other such shape which is used as an agitator of the rice and water to facilitate cleaning, which is inserted into the strainer. A lid with a hole, which attaches to the top of the container to seal the rice & water inside of the container, and limit splashing, but exposes the top of the paddle. A handle, which can be attached to the top of the paddle, to allow the paddle to rotate around the strainer.