System for loading different transport tracks of at least one dishwasher and washing machine assembly comprising such a system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor dishwashers require significant manual effort for sorting and loading, particularly with trays, which increases physical strain and reduces efficiency, as trays must be handled twice and oriented perpendicular to the conveyor belt, prolonging the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A loading system with a sorting arrangement that automatically sorts items into predefined groups and uses manipulators with gripper systems to load them onto dedicated conveyor tracks, reducing manual handling and optimizing the orientation of items for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays are manually sorted and placed perpendicular to the conveyor belt, then trays can be properly oriented for cleaning, but the operator must handle trays twice and the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting arrangement pre-sorts items into different groups (trays, cutlery, dishes) before they reach the loading area. Trays are automatically oriented and positioned in advance, so when they reach the conveyor belt, they are already ready for loading without requiring secondary handling or re-orientation by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
A feed conveyor acts as an intermediary between the item source and the main conveyor belt. This feed conveyor automatically orients trays parallel to its direction of travel before transfer, eliminating the need for operators to manually re-orient trays perpendicular to the main belt, thus reducing handling time and effort.
2Productivity
If items are manually sorted by type, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but significant manual effort is required increasing physical strain
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting arrangement enables self-service sorting where items are automatically classified into different groups (trays, cutlery, dishes) based on their characteristics. The system uses sensors and automated mechanisms to identify and separate items without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high cleaning efficiency while eliminating physical strain on operators.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sorting by operators is replaced with an automated sorting arrangement that uses sensors, actuators, and control systems to classify and direct items to appropriate conveyor tracks. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically handle and sort items, reducing physical strain while maintaining sorting efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If trays are placed perpendicular to the conveyor belt, then proper orientation for cleaning is achieved, but the available area on the conveyor is fully occupied
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing trays perpendicular to the conveyor belt (occupying maximum width), the system orients trays parallel to the direction of travel. This dimensional change in orientation allows multiple trays to be positioned side-by-side along the conveyor width, effectively utilizing the available area without compromising cleaning orientation, as the parallel orientation still achieves proper alignment for the cleaning process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for loading different transport lanes (2, 3, 4) of at least one, in particular commercial, transport dishwasher (1, 1'). The system (10) has a feed conveyor (11) for feeding items (9a, 9b, 9c) to the loading areas of the at least one transport dishwasher (1, 1'). The system (10) further has a sorting arrangement for sorting the items (9a, 9b, 9c) fed to the loading areas of the at least one transport dishwasher (1, 1') via the feed conveyor (11) according to predefined or definable item groups. At least one loading arrangement (13a, 13b, 13c) is associated with the sorting arrangement for automatically loading the different transport lanes of the at least one transport dishwasher (1, 1') with items (9a, 9b, 9c) from one of the predefined or definable item groups.