Cleaning System Buffer Store for Peak Load Manpower Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large kitchens, existing cleaning systems require excessive manpower planning to handle peak loads, leading to inefficient utilization of staff during non-peak times due to uneven accumulation of dirty items for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus with a loading apparatus and an automatic transport system, including a buffer store, which allows for flexible manpower planning by selectively transferring or buffering dirty items, thereby optimizing staff allocation and reducing peak load pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting and feeding of dirty items is performed to handle peak loads, then the cleaning apparatus can process items during high utilization periods, but excessive manpower must be planned which leads to insufficient staff utilization during non-peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer store accumulates dirty items in advance during low-utilization periods, preparing them for subsequent processing during peak periods without requiring additional manual intervention. This preliminary storage action resolves the contradiction by decoupling item accumulation from processing timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer store acts as an intermediary between the first conveying apparatus (receiving dirty items) and the second conveying apparatus (transporting to cleaning apparatus). This intermediary component smooths out utilization fluctuations, allowing consistent cleaning operation without excessive manpower planning.
2Ease of operation
If staff are allocated to handle peak loads manually, then dirty items can be sorted and fed into the cleaning apparatus, but staff utilization becomes inefficient during non-peak times
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer store enables the system to serve itself by automatically accumulating and releasing dirty items based on utilization conditions. This eliminates the need for manual sorting and feeding operations, allowing staff to be reallocated to other value-added tasks rather than idle waiting.
Solution Approach 2:
Dirty items are preliminarily collected in the buffer store during non-peak periods, preparing them for automated processing later. This preliminary accumulation removes the need for continuous manual intervention, reducing staff idle time while maintaining operational capability.
3Productivity
If the cleaning apparatus operates continuously at full capacity, then peak loads can be handled effectively, but items may accumulate unevenly causing operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer store serves as a stabilizing intermediary that decouples the irregular arrival of dirty items from the continuous operation of the cleaning apparatus. By smoothing out supply fluctuations, it ensures reliable continuous operation without disruptions from uneven item accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer store provides a cushion of accumulated items that protects the cleaning apparatus from supply interruptions. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the cleaning operation can continue at full capacity without being disrupted by uneven item arrival patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system (110) and a method for cleaning items to be cleaned (112) are proposed. The cleaning system (110) comprises:a) at least one cleaning apparatus (114), having at least one at least partially closed cleaning chamber (116) with at least one loading apparatus (118) for loading the items to be cleaned (112) with at least one cleaning liquid; andb) at least one transport system (144) for the automatic transport of the items to be cleaned (112), the transport system (144) comprising:a. at least one first conveying apparatus (146) for the delivery of dirty items to be cleaned (112);b. at least one second conveying apparatus (148) for the transport of the dirty items to be cleaned (112) to the cleaning apparatus (114);c. at least one transfer apparatus (150) for the transfer of at least one part of the dirty items to be cleaned (112) from the first conveying apparatus (146) onto the second conveying apparatus (148); andd. at least one buffer store (152) for the buffer storage of at least one part of the dirty items to be cleaned (112),the transfer apparatus (150) being set up to selectively transfer the dirty items to be cleaned (112) from the first conveying apparatus (146) directly onto the second conveying apparatus (148), or to buffer store them in the buffer store (152) and to subsequently transfer them onto the second conveying apparatus (148).