Batch Meat Injection Needle Cleaning With Ultrasonic and UV Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meat injection needles are cleaned individually, which is inefficient and lacks comprehensive cleaning methods for both exterior and interior surfaces, as well as disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for batch cleaning meat injection needles using a housing with a bath and elevated area, incorporating spraying, ultrasonic waves, and ultraviolet light to clean and disinfect both exterior and interior surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If needles are cleaned individually, then cleaning can be performed with simple equipment, but cleaning efficiency and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (soaking, ultrasonic cleaning, spraying, injection cleaning, drying, and UV disinfection) into a single integrated batch cleaning apparatus. Multiple needles are cleaned simultaneously in one device, dramatically improving productivity while consolidating equipment rather than requiring multiple separate cleaning stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus performs multiple cleaning operations and disinfection functions within a single device. The system can soak needles, apply ultrasonic waves, spray cleaning solution, inject cleaning solution internally, dry externally, and disinfect with UV light, making it a universal cleaning station that replaces several individual cleaning methods.
2Reliability
If comprehensive cleaning methods are applied to both exterior and interior surfaces, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but device complexity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is divided into distinct sequential stages: soaking in bath, ultrasonic cleaning, external spraying, internal injection, external drying, and UV disinfection. Each stage targets specific cleaning needs (exterior or interior), allowing comprehensive cleaning while maintaining organized, manageable process steps rather than a chaotic multi-step procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable lid acts as an intermediary that separates the cleaning area from the drying area. When positioned in the first position, it directs sprayed liquid away from the bath; when in the second position, it allows drainage into the bath. This single component manages the transition between different cleaning phases and prevents cross-contamination between cleaning and drying zones.
3Productivity
If batch cleaning is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus nests multiple cleaning components within a compact vertical structure. The bath is positioned at the bottom, with the support for needles above it. The movable lid can be positioned in different locations within the same space, and the spray nozzles and injection devices are integrated into the vertical arrangement, allowing batch cleaning of multiple needles without requiring extensive horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from horizontal space utilization to vertical space utilization. The bath, support, movable lid, and cleaning components are arranged vertically, with the support movable between different height positions. This vertical stacking allows batch cleaning capacity while minimizing the apparatus's footprint on the workspace.
4Reliability
If disinfection with ultraviolet light is applied, then hygiene and safety are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV disinfection is applied as a periodic final step after the mechanical cleaning processes are complete. The ultraviolet light emitters are activated to disinfect the needles' exterior surface, providing enhanced hygiene safety. This periodic application rather than continuous operation minimizes energy consumption while achieving the disinfection objective.
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
Enables efficient and thorough cleaning and disinfection of meat injection needles, reducing residue and ensuring hygiene, while minimizing water and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning the needles by emitting ultrasonic waves in the bath
Implementation Method 2
cleaning the needles includes at least one of a) spraying the exterior surface of the needles with one of a cleaning liquid or water, and b) injecting the needles with one of the cleaning liquid or water
Implementation Method 3
disinfecting the needles' exterior with ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 4
a bath for containing a soaking liquid
Implementation Method 5
spraying the exterior surface of the needles with one of a cleaning liquid or water
Data Source
AI summary
A meat injection needles cleaning apparatus comprising a washing stage for washing the exterior of the needles, an injection stage for injecting water and air in the needles, an ultraviolet stage for disinfecting the needles and an ultrasonic stage for cleaning the needles. A method of cleaning thereof is also contemplated by the present application.