Automated Cleaning Manifold for Food Processing Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for cleaning food processing equipment, such as offal-cleaning equipment, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, and can damage the equipment due to the use of harsh chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising individual containers for different cleaning solutions, conduits, fluid control components, and a manifold that allows for selective dispensing and mixing of cleaning solutions with water, controlled by a central controller to automate the cleaning process, ensuring consistent and efficient cleaning without direct exposure of equipment to harsh chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated cleaning through self-service mechanisms where the cleaning equipment performs cleaning operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each cleaning cycle, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated control system that manages the cleaning process through electronic controls and programmable logic, substituting human labor with an automated mechanical and electronic system
2Reliability
If harsh chemicals are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the equipment can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of cleaning solutions by automatically controlling the concentration, temperature, and application timing of chemicals through a programmable control system, optimizing cleaning effectiveness while reducing harmful effects on equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the cleaning process and adjust chemical application parameters in real-time, preventing excessive chemical exposure that could damage equipment while maintaining effective cleaning
3Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are followed, then cleaning can be performed, but human error is prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual procedural execution with an automated control system that programmatically manages cleaning sequences, eliminating human error by substituting human operation with precise electronic control and automated decision-making logic
4Reliability
If cleaning time is increased, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous cleaning operations by eliminating interruptions and transitions associated with manual cleaning, maintaining continuous application of cleaning agents and continuous operation of cleaning mechanisms, thereby achieving both thoroughness and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic cleaning cycles with optimized timing for each stage (pre-rinse, chemical application, dwell time, rinse, etc.), ensuring thorough cleaning at each phase while maintaining overall process efficiency and productivity
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 system automates the cleaning process, reducing labor and error, while protecting the equipment by mixing cleaning solutions with water before application, ensuring thorough and consistent cleaning of food processing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning solutions mix with each other and/or with water within the manifold before being dispensed therefrom into food processing equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (10) and method for cleaning food processing equipment, which can include a plurality of individual containers (12), a plurality of conduits (14), fluid control components (18, 30), and a manifold (20). The individual containers contain different cleaning solutions (e.g., caustic, acid, and/or sanitizer). The conduits are each fluidly connected to either one of the plurality of individual containers or a water source (16), and the fluid control components are each configured to individually and selectively control when fluid flows through each of the conduits from one of the plurality of individual containers and/or the water source. The manifold has a plurality of inlets (22) each fluidly coupled with one of the plurality of conduits and one outlet (24) fluidly coupled with the plurality of inlets. The cleaning solutions mix with each other and/or with water within the manifold before being dispensed therefrom into food processing equipment.