Cleaning device and method for cleaning articles to be cleaned
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning systems in canteen kitchens face challenges in adapting to varying loads and types of soiling, leading to inefficient personnel planning and machine utilization, resulting in overcapacity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device equipped with a sensor system and a slide mechanism that automatically identifies and redirects specific items, such as trays, transversely to a receiving device, allowing for flexible operation and efficient sorting and stacking, while other items continue through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning equipment and personnel planning are designed to handle peak loads, then the system can cope with maximum demand, but staff utilization is insufficient during low-demand periods and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system dynamically adjusts its operation by selectively pushing out specific items (trays) transversely during the cleaning process. This dynamic sorting mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying load types and volumes without requiring additional personnel or equipment capacity, thereby maintaining reliability during peak loads while improving staff utilization during lower-demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic sensor-based detection and mechanical pushing system performs sorting and removal functions without human intervention. The system autonomously identifies trays needing removal and executes the pushing action, replacing manual labor with automated functionality that operates consistently across all demand levels, thus eliminating the need to over-dimension staff resources
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual sorting and removal of items is performed, then flexibility in handling different item types is achieved, but productivity decreases and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated sensor-detection and mechanical pushing system. Sensors automatically detect tray positions and types, triggering the pushing mechanism to remove specific items without human intervention. This substitution maintains the flexibility to handle different item types while dramatically increasing productivity and reducing labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the conveyor belt and the removal point, selectively transferring specific items (trays) from the main conveyor to a removal position. This intermediary mechanism enables automated sorting functionality that preserves adaptability to different item types while eliminating the need for manual handling
3Productivity
If the conveyor belt transports all items continuously, then throughput is maximized, but the ability to selectively remove specific items (trays) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into functional zones: a detection zone where sensors identify trays, a pushing zone where mechanical actuators remove selected trays transversely, and a continuation zone where remaining items proceed on the main conveyor. This segmentation allows the system to maintain continuous throughput while selectively removing specific items without disrupting the overall flow of other items
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device (110) for cleaning articles (130) to be cleaned. Said cleaning device (110) comprises at least one cleaning chamber (114) having at least one application device (148) for subjecting the articles (130) to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber (114) to at least one cleaning fluid (150). Said cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one transport device (136) for transporting the articles (130) to be cleaned through the cleaning chamber (114) in a transport direction (138). The cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one outlet region (142) arranged downstream of the cleaning chamber (114) in the transport direction (138) for removing the articles (130) to be cleaned from the transport device (136). The cleaning device (110) further has at least one sensor (168) for detecting at least one predefined type of articles (130) to be cleaned. The cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one slider (170) and is designed to displace the articles (130) to be cleaned of the predefined type automatically transversely to the transport direction (138) from the transport device (136).