Conveyor Belt Blower with Internal Plenum for Freezer Moisture Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor belt dryers in freezers or chillers face challenges such as moisture accumulation, which can lead to mechanical issues, hygiene concerns, and inefficiencies due to the use of external blowers that introduce warmer, less sterile air, causing noise and increased footprint.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor belt blower system with a pressure distribution assembly, including a plenum body and nozzle assembly, directs high-pressure air internally onto the return portion of the conveyor belt, ensuring efficient drying and defrosting while minimizing heat production and noise, and using a collection bin for frost and ice removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an external blower is used to dry the conveyor belt, then moisture removal capability is improved, but noise level increases and footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removal capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blower is extracted from the external environment and relocated inside the freezer compartment. This allows the drying function to be maintained while eliminating the harmful effects of external noise and the need for external equipment footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blower serves multiple functions: it dries the conveyor belt after washing/defrosting, and it can be positioned to blow air through the belt to prevent ice formation. This multi-functionality is achieved by placing it inside the compartment where it can access the belt directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If an external blower is used to dry the conveyor belt, then moisture removal capability is improved, but the blower introduces warmer, less sterile air into the compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture removal capabilityVSAvoidhygiene and temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The blower operates within the controlled inert atmosphere of the freezer compartment, using the existing cold, sterile air environment rather than introducing external air. This maintains the hygiene and temperature control of the compartment while still achieving moisture removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Productivity

If the blower is positioned above the infeed portion to blow air down through the belt, then drying effectiveness is improved, but clearance requirements increase and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying effectivenessVSAvoidclearance distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the blower vertically above the infeed portion (requiring significant vertical clearance), the blower is positioned laterally adjacent to the belt. The air flow is directed horizontally through the belt material, achieving effective drying while minimizing the vertical space requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic principles to direct high-velocity air through the porous belt material. By positioning the blower laterally and using appropriately directed nozzles, the air penetrates the belt from the side, achieving thorough drying without requiring the blower to be positioned far above the belt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This solution effectively removes moisture, ice, and frost from the conveyor belt without disturbing workpieces on the infeed portion, maintaining hygiene and reducing operational noise and footprint by utilizing internal, recirculated cool air, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the freezing process.

Implementation Method 1

an air movement device in communication with the first end of the plenum body for moving air into the plenum body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir movement:

Implementation Method 2

a nozzle assembly having at least one opening extending along a length of the plenum body that is configured to direct air onto the return portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-pressure air flow:

Implementation Method 3

Drying or otherwise removing moisture from the freezer (or chiller) after defrost, cleaning, rinsing, etc., and before bringing the compartment back down to the freezing or cooling temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS11078026B2Conveyor belt blower

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 JOHN BEAN TECH AB

AI summary

A conveyor belt blower for a conveyor belt having an infeed portion and a return portion having a width includes a pressure distribution assembly located between the infeed portion and the return portion, a plenum body having first and second ends, wherein the plenum body extends across at least a portion of the width of the return portion, a nozzle assembly having at least one opening extending along a length of the plenum body that is configured to direct air onto the return portion, and an air movement device in communication with the first end of the plenum body for flowing air into the plenum body.